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The hashtag #BoycottBookMyShow has gained significant traction on social media platforms, particularly on X. Let’s delve into why is it trending and what has Kunal Kamra to do with it:
1. What led to #BoycottBookMyShow?
The hashtag #BoycottBookMyShow began trending after BookMyShow removed all content featuring comedian Kunal Kamra from its platform. It also removed Kunal Kamra from the list of artistes listed on its website The ticket booking platform made the decision after Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Rahool N Kanal wrote to BookMyShow, urging them to refrain from facilitating ticket sales for Kunal Kamra’s shows.
2. What did Rahool Kanal write in his letter to BookMyShow?
Rahool, in his April 2 letter, raised concerns about Kunal Kamra’s controversial content and how it could affect public sentiment. Rahool Kanal also slammed Kunal Kamra for allegedly running a smear campaign against top public figures, including the Prime Minister, deputy CMs, and other prominent names.
The letter also claimed that Kamra got money from multiple countries via his videos, sparking questions about where his income is actually coming from.
3. How did Kunal Kamra React?
The comedian took to X to react to BookMyShow’s action. He shared an article by India Today which talked about BookMyShow delisting him. Kamra, in his post, wrote, “Can you please confirm if I have your platform to list my shows if not it’s fine. I understand…”
Several X users commented on Kamra’s post, criticising BookMyShow. Some called it spineless, while a user wrote, “You sold your soul instead of standing up for freedom of speech.”
4. What did people say?
5. What’s up with Rahool Kanal?
Rahool Kanal and 11 other Shiv Sena members were arrested for ransacking Hotel Unicontinental and the Habitat Studio which is located in the hotel. They had ransacked the properties in response to Kamra’s ‘traitor’ comments about Eknath Shinde. Kamra had performed at the Habitat Studio. Rahool and the Sena members were granted bail later.
Rahool claimed that they had not decided to vandalise the place, but they vandalised it because Habitat’s owner Balraj misbehaved with them. Rahool said that they had called Balraj to enquire about the show in which Kamra made the alleged remarks. He further said that they were triggered by the response they got on reaching the location.
They also filed a case against Kamra and gave him death threats.
Kamra’s statement on vandalism:
6. What did Kunal Kamra say in the show that angered Eknath Shinde’s faction?
Kunal Kamra mocked the political scenario in Maharashtra, targeting the internal splits within Shiv Sena and the NCP. He pointed out how one person (Eknath Shinde) began this trend and used the word “gaddar” (traitor) to describe him.
“Jo inhone Maharashtra ke election me kia hai… bolna padega… pehle Shiv Sena BJP se bahar aa gayi fir Shiv Sena Shiv Sena se bahar aa gayi… NCP NCP se bahar aa gayi… ek voter ko 9 button dediye… sab confuse ho gaye…” Kamra remarked, highlighting the voter confusion caused by party divisions.
He continued, “Chalu ek jan ne kia tha… wo Mumbai me bohot badhiya ek district hai Thane waha se aate hain…”, before parodying a song from Dil To Pagal Hai with lyrics like, “Thane ki rickshaw, chehre pe daadi, aankho me chashma haaye… Thane ki rickshaw, chehre pe daadi, aankho me chashma haaye…ek jhalak dikhlaye kabhi Guwahati me chup jaaye…meri nazar se tum dekho gaddar nazar wo aaye… mantri nahi wo dalbadlu hai aur kaha kya jaaye… jiss thali me khaye usme hi chhed kar jaaye… mantralay se zyada Fadnavis ki godi me mil jaye… teer kaman mila hai isko baap mera yeh chahe…,” without naming anyone.
Listen to what Kamra said:
7. What was Shinde’s reaction?
Maharashtra Deputy CM Shinde reacted to Kamra’s remarks by saying, “Freedom of speech exists, and we understand satire, but there should be limits. This feels like taking a supari (contract) to speak against someone.”
“This same person [Kamra] had commented on Supreme Court of India, the Prime Minister, [journalist] Arnab Goswami and some industrialists. This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone,” Shinde had added.
Referring to the vandalism at Habitat Studio, Shinde had said that he doesn’t justify vandalism. He remarked that Shiv Sainiks should also maintain a certain level. “Otherwise, action causes reaction,” he remarked.
8. Kamra and his pic with Constitution
Amid the controversy, Kunal took to Instagram to share a picture of himself holding a copy of the Constitution. In the caption, he wrote, “The only way forward.” Kamra also refused to apologise.
He wrote on Instagram:
9. Cases and summons
Shiv Sainiks have filed several cases against the comedian. The cases have been registered under Sections 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356 (2) (defamation) of the BNS.
Kamra did not comply with the third summons and failed to appear at the Khar police station. He had been directed by the Khar police to cooperate with the investigation into his controversial “traitor” remark by April 5. He has, however, obtained interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court, which protects him from arrest until April 7—even though the FIR was filed in a different jurisdiction.
10. Kamra’s statement on making fun of leaders
Also read: Weird reasons for ban of 10 famous books (PS: None of them is Kamra’s)
Nidhi Sinha
