Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is in the middle of a big controversy after making fun of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other well-known personalities. His latest comedy show, "Naya Bharat," includes jokes about author and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty and her husband, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.

Kunal Kamra’s comments on Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy

During his 45-minute act, Kamra joked about different types of wealthy people in India. He pointed out that some rich people pretend to be middle class, and he said that Sudha Murty was one of them.

"Among the rich people who pretend to be middle class, there is a great lady named Sudha Murty. She is the epitome of simplicity. That is her claim that she is simple. She has written 50 books on her simplicity. At any airport, you will find a book section dedicated to Ms. Murty, and every book's theme is that she is simple," Kamra said.

To make his point, he shared a fictional story in Sudha Murty’s style. "Once, I (Sudha Murty) went to a mango seller, and he gave me eight mangoes for Rs 100. Then, one lady came in corporate attire, and the mango seller gave her eight mangoes for Rs 150. I went to the mango seller and asked, 'Why did you give me a cheaper mango?' He told me that the lady has a modern corporate job in this international company called Infosys," he mimicked.

He also linked this joke to Narayana Murthy’s statement about working long hours. "Now you understand why Narayana Murthy wants to work 70 hours a week? Sudha Murty would fry his brain' with'main simple hu' (I am simple). Narayana Murthy says, 'Main ghar ke bahar hu' (I am out of the house)."

This referred to Narayana Murthy’s earlier statement suggesting that Indian employees should work 70 hours a week. His statement had sparked strong reactions and discussions on work-life balance.

Kamra also commented on Sudha Murty’s position in the UK and her entry into the Rajya Sabha. "For two years, she was the mother-in-law of the entire UK. How is this simplicity? She is going to Rajya Sabha, simply."

Political backlash and legal action

Kunal Kamra’s show was held at The Habitat in Mumbai's Khar. However, his jokes about Eknath Shinde have led to serious consequences. On Sunday, supporters of Shiv Sena vandalised the venue and even threatened Kamra.

The comedian now faces multiple legal charges, including defamation and making statements that could cause public trouble. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police have also filed a case against some Sena supporters for vandalising the venue.

Due to these issues, Kunal Kamra has approached the court for protection against arrest. His case has become a topic of debate, with some people supporting his freedom of speech and others criticising his comments.

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