Kunal Kamra receives donations on YouTube amid standup special controversy

A YouTube video by comedian Kunal Kamra, in which he referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor), has reignited the debate on freedom of speech in India. The video, which featured Kamra performing a parody of the song "Bholi Si Surat" from the 1997 film "Dil To Pagal Hai", was intended as a satirical reference to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. However, it was met with strong opposition from Shiv Sena workers, who deemed it defamatory.

Amid the controversy, Kamra received an outpouring of financial support from his audience via YouTube’s "Super Thanks" feature, which allows viewers to make direct monetary contributions to creators. Thousands of supporters contributed sums ranging from a few hundred rupees to larger amounts in British pounds and US dollars, in what they described as a show of support for freedom of speech.

One user, while donating ₹179, commented, “Thanks Kunal for having the courage to speak out. I hope everyone will put their money where their mouth is and support the freedom of speech in our country.”

Another donor, who contributed £99.99, encouraged Kamra to set up a fundraiser, stating, “They will come for you for this. Please set up a fundraiser, and we will foot your bills for pulling no punches. Cheers mate.”

The backlash escalated on Sunday when a group of Shiv Sena workers vandalised the Mumbai studio where Kamra had recorded the video. This was followed by a police complaint against the comedian and threats from party members, demanding an apology.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded to the controversy, stating that while freedom of expression is encouraged, it should not cross certain limits.

“Eknath Shinde ji has been insulted, and an attempt has been made to do so. This will not be tolerated. The elections have proven who the traitors are. No stand-up comedian should have the right to call such a big leader a traitor,” he said.

Fadnavis further added that while stand-up comedy is allowed, it does not grant individuals the right to say whatever they please. He asserted that the people of Maharashtra had already given their verdict in the elections and insisted that Kamra issue an apology. The Chief Minister also confirmed that legal action would be taken against him.

Following the release of the video, Shiv Sena workers stormed the studio where it was filmed, vandalising the property. Several videos of the incident circulated online, showing party members damaging equipment and furniture. Twelve individuals were arrested in connection with the attack but were later granted bail.

Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who lodged the First Information Report (FIR) against Kamra, demanded a public apology from the comedian. He also warned that Kamra would not be allowed to move freely in Mumbai.

“The Shiv Sainiks will not let him move freely in Mumbai. If he is seen anywhere in public, we will paint his face black,” Patel said.

In response to the incident, the studio where Kamra’s show was recorded announced on Instagram that it would be shutting down temporarily. The management expressed concern over being repeatedly targeted for content created by independent performers.

“Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices. We have never been involved in the content performed by any artist, but the recent events have made us rethink how we get blamed and targeted every time, almost like we are a proxy for the performer,” the studio said in a statement.

It further noted that it was evaluating ways to provide a platform for free expression while ensuring the safety of its property and employees.

The incident sparked widespread debate online, with opinions divided over whether Kamra’s remarks fell within the bounds of free speech. Some users criticised the comedian for “misusing” his right to free expression, while others defended his satire.

One social media user pointed to Kamra’s previous comments regarding actress Kangana Ranaut, whose Mumbai office was demolished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2020. “Mere ko toh acha laga, acha kiya" (I liked it, they did the right thing), Kamra had said at the time, referencing Shiv Sena’s action against Ranaut. Critics used this remark to question his stance on freedom of speech.

Another user wrote, “The only time you can take umbrage from freedom of speech is if it incites violence. Kunal Kamra’s act does no such thing. Any political leader who is mature and confident will laugh along.”

Meanwhile, others highlighted how restrictions on free speech had evolved over time. “This thing was amended for the first time to take away the guarantee of free speech. Free speech with random restraints is not a right, it’s a privilege,” read one post.

In a statement on social media, Kamra defended his right to free speech and criticised the response to his satire.

“Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich, even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right,” he said.

He also condemned the vandalism at the studio, arguing that those responsible should face the same level of legal scrutiny as he did.

“I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke?”

Kamra further clarified that the studio where his show was recorded had no role in his content and should not be held accountable for his statements.

The controversy surrounding Kamra’s parody video has reignited discussions on the limits of free speech in India, the role of satire in political discourse, and the extent to which political criticism should be tolerated.