New Delhi: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has sought confirmation from online ticketing platform BookMyShow after news reports claimed that the company had removed his content and delisted him as an artist on their platform.
The reported action came a day after a Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) youth leader requested the platform not to host Kamra’s shows, citing his latest comedy special ‘Naya Bharat’ which drew the ire of the Maharashtra government.
Shiv Sena youth leader Rahool N. Kanal had written to BookMyShow on Friday, urging the company not to facilitate ticket sales for Kamra’s events. In his letter, which was shared on the social media platform X, Kanal contended that remarks made by the comedian “not only hurt the sentiments of public at large but also have the potential to incite public mischief and disrupt social harmony,” particularly in Mumbai, where BookMyShow is headquartered.
Kanal argued that providing a platform to Kamra could be perceived as an “endorsement of his divisive rhetoric” and lend “credibility and reach to an individual whose actions threaten public order”. Following media reports of Kamra’s delisting on Saturday, Kanal welcomed the development.
Responding directly to the reports, Kamra posted on X, tagging the ticketing company: “Hello @bookmyshow can you please confirm if I have your platform to list my shows? If not, it’s fine. I understand”. Kamra also told The Wire that he is attempting to independently verify the platform’s stance on listing his shows. There has been no public confirmation from BookMyShow regarding the matter so far.
The controversy surrounding the comedian erupted over his comments about Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde in his comedy show. The police, for the third time, issued summons to Kamra concerning an FIR registered against him for alleged defamation and remarks purportedly amounting to public mischief. Officials also visited his residence in Mumbai on Monday.
Kamra, who reportedly received approximately 500 death threats via phone following the controversy, subsequently travelled from Mumbai to his home state of Tamil Nadu. He later approached the Madras high court and successfully secured interim protection against potential arrest by the Mumbai Police in connection with the FIR.
