BMC Executes Demolition at Mumbai's Habitat Studio Following Kunal Kamra's 'Traitor' Remarks
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Synopsis
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) conducted a demolition at The Habitat Studio in Khar, Mumbai, following Kunal Kamra's controversial remarks about Eknath Shinde. The studio announced an indefinite closure amid concerns for safety and accountability for artists' opinions.
Key Takeaways
- BMC's demolition action was based on regulatory violations.
- The Habitat Studio was previously targeted by vandalism.
- Kamra's comments led to significant controversy.
- The studio distanced itself from Kamra's views.
- They plan to provide a platform for free expression safely.
Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated a demolition operation at The Habitat Studio, situated within the Unicontinental Hotel in Khar, on Monday, citing breaches of municipal regulations.
This event is particularly noteworthy as it occurred at the same location where stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra made controversial statements about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
BMC officials, equipped with hammers, arrived at The Habitat Studio around noon to carry out the demolition. While the specific details of the violations remain undisclosed, reports suggest that the studio was allegedly operating in an encroached zone between two hotels.
This action follows the vandalization of The Habitat Studio by Shiv Sena members after Kamra referred to Shinde as a 'traitor.' So far, 12 individuals, including Shiv Sena leader Rrahul Kanal, have been taken into judicial custody related to the attack.
With upcoming BMC elections, the civic body is currently managed by an IAS officer, under the influence of the ruling coalition.
In light of the recent incidents, The Habitat Studio declared its indefinite closure. The management emphasized that they do not hold accountability for the opinions expressed by artists who perform at their venue.
"We are shocked, concerned, and deeply distressed by the recent acts of vandalism directed at us. Artists bear full responsibility for their views and creative decisions. We have never interfered with the content presented by any performer, yet the recent events compel us to reconsider how we are unfairly blamed and targeted, almost as if we are mere proxies for the performer," the statement from the studio read.
The management also stated that they will remain closed until they can devise a method to provide a platform for free expression without compromising their safety.
Moreover, The Habitat Studio distanced itself from Kamra's latest video, clarifying that it was not involved in its creation and does not endorse the opinions expressed within. The studio also issued a public apology to those offended by the comedian's comments.
The controversy ignited when Kamra shared a video on his official YouTube channel featuring a performance where he altered the lyrics of a song from the Bollywood movie 'Dil To Pagal Hai', taking jabs at Eknath Shinde.
The segment where Kamra sang, "Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye" was met with cheers from attendees but incited fury from the ruling Shiv Sena.
