Comedian Kunal Kamra receives over 500 chilling death threats as political storm erupts over joke
Mumbai-based stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has found himself at the center of a terrifying controversy after cracking a joke that allegedly took a dig at Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, Eknath Shinde. The backlash has been severe—over 500 threatening calls, some explicitly warning him of death and dismemberment.
The uproar began after a video of Kamra’s performance at the Habitat comedy club in Khar went viral. During his set, he modified lyrics from a popular Bollywood song in a way that many interpreted as a direct attack on Shinde. Enraged by the joke, supporters of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) quickly mobilised, unleashing a wave of threats and violence.
According to sources cited by NDTV, Kamra has received a barrage of death threats. Some callers reportedly warned they would “cut him into pieces,” a chilling echo of past attacks on outspoken figures in India. The escalating situation forced Kamra to approach the Mumbai Police, requesting a week’s time to appear for questioning regarding the incident.
The outrage didn’t stop at verbal threats. In a brazen act of intimidation, Shiv Sena workers vandalised the venue where Kamra’s performance took place. The police responded by arresting 12 party workers, though they were later released on bail. Additionally, a separate case was filed against 40 Sena supporters for their role in the destruction.
The case against Kamra took a more formal turn when Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed an FIR at the Khar police station. Law enforcement officials issued an initial notice to Kamra, summoning him for questioning. However, reports suggest the comedian has sought a week’s reprieve before making his appearance.
The controversy has reignited debates over freedom of speech in India. While Kamra’s supporters argue that comedy is meant to challenge authority and provoke thought, his detractors insist that mocking political figures crosses a dangerous line. The reaction from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has been particularly fierce, with members justifying their outrage by claiming the joke was a direct insult to their leader.
Eknath Shinde himself has weighed in on the matter, stating that while humour has its place, there should be “limits.” His comments come as his party members stand accused of resorting to violence and threats in response to Kamra’s joke.
The case now hangs in a delicate balance. With Kamra facing legal trouble and personal danger, the question remains—how far can comedy go before it becomes a political battleground?
