Comedian Kunal Kamra has landed in the middle of a raging controversy over freedom of speech after posting a YouTube video in which he poked fun at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kamra's use of the term "gaddar" (traitor) in a parody of a hit Bollywood song angered a number of individuals, including political figures. The controversy has since snowballed, with vandalism, online backlash, and police action entering the picture.

Kamra's video put a spin on the song "Bholi Si Surat" from the film Dil To Pagal Hai of 1997. On stage, the comedian jokingly sang, "Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye!" – about Eknath Shinde. This was a parody and was intended to point out Shinde's political action in 2022 when he spearheaded a rebellion that toppled the Uddhav Thackeray-led government of Maharashtra.

However, this was not acceptable to certain political leaders. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Kamra, asserting, “Freedom of expression should not lead to tyranny… No stand-up comedian should have the right to call such a big leader a traitor." He further asserted that Kamra should apologize and threatened legal action.

Vandalism and threats

The situation worsened when Shiv Sena party workers vandalized the Mumbai studio where Kamra's show was recorded. Footage of the incident went viral, as party members damaged property. The police arrested 12 members of the Shiv Sena, who were later released on bail.

Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel also lodged an FIR against Kamra. Patel threatened that the comedian would not be allowed to move freely in Mumbai unless he apologized, and further said, “If he is seen anywhere in public, we will paint his face black."

The management of the studio reacted by suspending operations temporarily. In a statement, they said they were exploring ways to enable free expression while preventing performers from being attacked or slandered.

Online reactions

Though Kamra had been criticized, he also received support from a lot of people who justified his right to voice his opinion. “The only time you can take umbrage from freedom of speech is if it incites violence. Kunal Kamra’s act does no such thing,” one user wrote on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).

Others pointed out that Kamra's satire had gained more publicity due to the outrage.“Lesser people would have seen Kunal’s show. But Eknath Shinde’s workers ensured it reaches the masses now,” said another user.

Why are people donating money?

When Kamra's video became popular, his fans supported him by contributing to him using YouTube's "Super Thanks" function. The function allows viewers to financially support their preferred creators. Kamrabenefited from donations from viewers across the globe, who admired his bravery.

(Source - News18)

One of the commenters, who gave ₹179, stated, “Thanks Kunal for having the courage to speak out. I hope everyone will put their money where their mouth is and support freedom of speech in our country.” Another donor, who contributed £99.99, wrote, “Please set up a fundraiser, and we will foot your bills for pulling no punches.”

Kamra responds

Kamra talked about the scandal in an 'X' statement. He defended his freedom of speech and expression right to comment on public personalities, stating, “Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich… Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right.”

He also questioned if the law would be applied equally to those who vandalized the studio. “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?” he asked.

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