Tue Mar 25 05:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Comedian Kunal Kamra Defies Backlash After Studio Demolition Following Political Jokes
**Mumbai, India** – Comedian Kunal Kamra is facing renewed controversy after a Mumbai studio, Habitat Studio, where he performed, was demolished following protests over his jokes targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The demolition, carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), came after Shiv Sena workers ransacked the studio Sunday night.
Kamra, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), condemned the attack, arguing that the venue is not responsible for his comedic content. He likened the action to “overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served.” He also rejected calls for an apology, stating that his jokes mirrored comments made by another Maharashtra politician, Ajit Pawar, about Shinde.
The comedian asserted his right to freedom of speech and expressed his willingness to cooperate with any lawful investigations but questioned whether the law would be equally applied to those who resorted to vandalism. He pointedly noted the BMC’s demolition occurred without prior notice.
In a provocative move, Kamra suggested he might use the dilapidated Elphinstone Bridge, site of a deadly 2017 stampede, as his next performance venue, highlighting the irony of authorities’ selective demolition. He also addressed the harassment he’s faced, including numerous calls and leaked contact information.
Habitat Studio, which previously hosted the controversial show “India’s Got Latent,” announced its closure following the incident, citing shock and distress over the vandalism. The BMC stated the studio’s demolition was due to a lack of necessary permits. The incident has reignited the debate surrounding freedom of speech and the response to political satire in India.
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