Kunal Kamra row: Mumbai's Habitat studio shut down temporarily after vandalism by Shiv Sena workers
PTC News Desk: The Habitat studio in Mumbai where Kunal Kamra performed has been shut down temporarily after it was vandalised by Shiv Sena workers over Kunal Kamra's comedy targeting Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The studio issued a statement regarding temporary closure citing that any kind of violence and hate is condemnable. "We urge constructive conversations, not destruction, to address disagreements. We do not support hate or harm of any kind. Violence and destruction undermine the very spirit of art and dialogue," the statement added.
The popular venue said that it was shutting down until the "best way to provide a platform for free expression" without putting themselves and their property at risk could be figured out.
"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 message read.
What Kunal Kamra Said
Kamra who is knows for his outspoken comedy sparked a row with his jibe targeting Shinde with a parody version of 'Bholi Si Surat'. He used the 'gaddar' (traitor) jibe against the Shiv Sena leader, who led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, bringing down his government and splitting the party.
- With inputs from agencies
