Synopsis
The recent controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra's shows being delisted from BookMyShow highlights the tensions between art, politics, and free expression. Kamra's comments on Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have led to significant backlash, prompting legal challenges and discussions on artistic freedom.Key Takeaways
- Kunal Kamra faces delisting of his shows from BookMyShow.
- Kamra's comments on Eknath Shinde sparked controversy.
- He has requested audience data from BookMyShow.
- The Bombay High Court is involved in the legal proceedings.
- Kamra has received death threats, prompting requests for video conferencing in court.
Mumbai, April 8 (NationPress) Comedian Kunal Kamra is at the center of a new controversy following reports indicating that his shows were taken down from the ticketing platform BookMyShow.
This issue emerged after Kamra, renowned for his daring political satire, made comments about Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a recent stand-up act. His humorous critiques regarding Shinde's political decisions led to backlash from various factions, culminating in police complaints against the comedian.
On April 7, Kunal utilized social media to share an open letter addressed to BookMyShow, accusing the platform of removing his shows due to the controversy. In this letter, he challenged the decision and requested access to audience data, a move that ignited extensive discussions and raised eyebrows on digital platforms.
An excerpt from his two-page letter stated, “Dear BookMyShow, I understand that you aim to maintain a harmonious relationship with the state, and I recognize that Mumbai is a vital center for live entertainment. Without the state’s support, iconic events like Coldplay and Guns N’ Roses wouldn’t be possible… I request one of the following: Do not delist me or provide me with the data (contact information) I’ve generated through your platform from my audience.”
The letter, which Kamra shared on his X page, comes shortly after Shiv Sena claimed that BookMyShow had removed him from its ticket sales and artist listings.
In response, BookMyShow issued an official statement to clarify the situation. Their statement noted that ‘facts have been misrepresented,’ revealing their actual involvement in the matter.
“BookMyShow serves as a platform to facilitate ticket sales and operates with neutrality, adhering to the laws of India. Certain details regarding our role have been misrepresented. It is the organizer or venue that determines whether to list or delist shows. We do not prohibit any artist from selling their show on our site, should they decide to do so,” the company stated.
Additionally, they emphasized that they do not interfere with performance content, asserting that it is solely up to the performers or organizers to decide what is showcased on stage. "We collaborate with various venues and promoters based on mutually agreed terms. Artists are also free to sell tickets through their own websites if they wish," the statement continued.
In recent developments, the Bombay High Court has reportedly instructed the Mumbai police and Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel to respond to a petition filed by Kunal Kamra. The comedian is contesting the FIR lodged against him for allegedly labeling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a "traitor" during one of his stand-up comedy routines.
The court has now postponed the matter to April 16 and has granted time for the prosecution to seek directions from officers.
Kunal Kamra's attorney has requested the court to allow the comedian to attend the proceedings via video conferencing, citing the death threats he has received. The lawyer mentioned, “My client is facing death threats; he has approached police thrice to record statements via video conference, but they insist on his physical presence. We request that Kamra appearing through video conference be considered.”
