Kunal Kamra gets over 500 threat calls amid Eknath Shinde joke row, seeks 1 week to appear before Mumbai Police: Report

Comedian Kunal Kamra is said to have been threatened with death by Shiv Sena members after his contentious ‘gaddar’ (traitor) joke, reportedly directed at Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. Kunal Kamra, summoned by the Mumbai Police regarding the issue, has asked for a week to present himself to the officials.

A news report mentioned, referencing sources, that the comedian has gotten more than 500 calls, with certain callers threatening to kill him and dismember him. Numerous threats are said to arise from his statements, which incited anger among political activists. The dispute ignited after a video of Kunal Kamra’s comedy became widely circulated, prompting intense responses from supporters of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction).

At his latest performance at the Habitat comedy club in Khar, Mumbai, the comedian appeared to ridicule Shinde without naming him by altering a song from ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’. This led to escalating tensions as Shiv Sena supporters reacted strongly to Kamra’s comments and even defaced the location where he performed.

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra stood firm on his ground and said that he will not apologise for his joke, adding that “What I said is exactly what Mr Ajit Pawar (1st deputy CM) said about Mr Eknath Shinde (2nd deputy CM)”.

He further noted that he will not fear” the mob and will not be hiding under his bed until this (controversy) dies down.

Kamra also addressed receiving multiple phone calls from unknown numbers. “To those who are busy leaking my number or are calling me incessantly; I am sure you have realised by now that all unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you will subjected to the very song that you hate,” the comic said in his statement.