BookMyShow Delists Kunal Kamra and Removes All Content; Shiv Sena Expresses Gratitude
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Synopsis
In a significant development, BookMyShow has removed all content linked to comedian Kunal Kamra and delisted him from its platform. This decision was applauded by the Shiv Sena, which had requested the platform not to support Kamra due to his controversial remarks.
Key Takeaways
- BookMyShow has delisted Kunal Kamra from its platform.
- Shiv Sena expressed gratitude to the ticketing service for this action.
- Rahool N Kanal led the request to remove Kamra due to concerns over his divisive rhetoric.
- Kanal highlighted the potential impact of Kamra's comments on public order.
- Kamra faces multiple legal issues, including ongoing investigations.
Mumbai, April 5 (NationPress) In a significant setback for stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, the online ticketing platform BookMyShow has taken down all content associated with him, effectively removing him from the roster of artists on its site.
In response to this decision, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena expressed appreciation to Big Tree Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the parent company of BookMyShow, for their action.
This decision followed a request from Rahool N Kanal, the Shiv Sena youth leader and social media head, urging BookMyShow not to provide a platform for Kamra.
On April 2, Kanal had implored Big Tree Entertainment Pvt Ltd to cease offering a platform to the comedian.
Kanal stated that continuing to sell tickets for Kamra's shows might be viewed as an endorsement of his 'divisive' rhetoric, which could have serious implications for public sentiment and order in Mumbai.
In his letter to Big Tree Entertainment Pvt Ltd, Kanal expressed, “I am genuinely thankful for your team's ongoing support in removing this artist from your sales and promotion listings. I appreciate your efforts in even taking him out of the BookMyShow search history.”
“Thank you for maintaining a clean platform and excluding such artists from the realm of pure entertainment. As Mumbaikars, we cherish and believe in every form of art, but not personal agendas,” Kanal added.
He further mentioned, “We sincerely appreciate your dedication to BookMyShow’s values, which align with enhancing customer satisfaction.”
Kanal's earlier correspondence highlighted that BookMyShow had previously facilitated ticket sales for shows featuring Kunal Kamra.
“Kamra has been noted for engaging in a prolonged campaign of vilification and defamation directed at the Prime Minister of India, Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, and other public figures. These actions seem to be part of a larger criminal conspiracy, motivated by interests that extend beyond mere humor or satire,” he asserted.
He further claimed that Kamra’s premeditated, scripted, provocative, and malicious comments have consistently breached ethical and legal standards. Such statements not only offend the sentiments of the wider public but also carry the potential to incite public unrest and disrupt social harmony.
“By offering a platform for his performances, BookMyShow inadvertently grants credibility and visibility to an individual whose actions threaten public order, especially in a vibrant and diverse city like Mumbai, where your company is headquartered,” he wrote.
Kanal sent the letter amidst a growing controversy regarding Kamra's reference to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a traitor in a song.
Three legal cases have been initiated against Kamra; however, the Madras High Court has provided him with temporary protection from arrest.
Authorities are currently collecting statements from the cameraman and other staff present during the filming of the show.
They have also guaranteed Kamra's safety when he appears for questioning. Nevertheless, Kamra has yet to respond to three summons issued by the Mumbai Police.
