Comedy Row
Abusing people and our culture in the name of comedy: Kangana Ranaut slams Kunal Kamra
New Delhi/IBNS: Actress-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kangana Ranaut has accused comedian Kunal Kamra of "abusing people" and "culture" in the name of comedy over a controversial parody that targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Speaking to ANI, Ranaut said, "...We should think where society is heading when someone does this only for 2 minutes of fame...You might be anyone, but insulting and defaming someone...A person for whom his/her respect is everything, and you insult and disregard them...Who are these people, and what are their credentials?
"If they can write, they should do so in literature...Abusing people and our culture in the name of comedy...This has been done legally, but what had been done (demolishing of her bungalow) to me was illegally done."
What did Kamra say?
Kamra, who is best known for his outspoken nature, targeted Shinde during a comedy show by parodying the 1997 song 'Bholi Si Surat' from 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.
In an indirect sweep, Kamra referred to Shinde as a 'gaddar (traitor), referring to his rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, an episode that led to the state government's collapse and the party's split.
Mumbai's Habitat Studio, a popular platform for stand-up comedians in the city, on Monday announced its decision to shut down after Shiv Sena (Shinde) workers vandalised it.
Mumbai studio announces shutdown after Shinde-led Shiv Sena's vandalism
Announcing its decision, Habitat Studio wrote on Instagram: "We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us. Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices."
"We have never been involved in the content performed by any Artist, but the recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time, almost like we are a proxy for the performer," the studio said.
The studio further said: "We are shutting down until we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy."
"We invite all artists, audiences, and stakeholders to discuss and share their views freely and request your guidance so that we also respect the performers' rights," said the studio.
The studio said it has always been neutral in providing a platform for artists to share their work in any language.
Kamra's performance was hosted by the same studio where the controversial 'India's Got Latent' show was filmed.
The show triggered anger and severe protests were held following popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia's 'sex with parents' comment.
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