Mon Mar 24 18:18:19 UTC 2025: ## Filmmaker Hansal Mehta Stands with Comedian Kunal Kamra After Shiv Sena Attack
**Mumbai, March 24, 2025** – Film director Hansal Mehta has voiced his support for comedian Kunal Kamra, who faces backlash from the Shiv Sena over jokes made about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Mehta recounted a similar incident from 25 years ago, where he was physically assaulted and forced to apologize by Shiv Sena members for a line in one of his films.
Kamra’s performance, which included a reference to Shinde as a “traitor” in relation to the 2022 political rebellion, sparked outrage. Shiv Sena supporters vandalized the office of The Unicontinental Mumbai, where Kamra performed. The party demanded his arrest.
Mehta’s X post detailed his own experience, stating that his office was vandalized, he was physically assaulted and forced to publicly apologize – an incident he described as having a lasting negative impact on his life and career. He emphasized that intimidation and humiliation are never justified and that freedom of expression, dissent, and dignity are crucial.
Kamra, who has refused to retract his statements, stated he will cooperate with any legal proceedings while questioning whether the law will be applied fairly to those who resorted to violence in response to his jokes. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of speech and political dissent in Maharashtra.
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