Comedian Kunal Kamra's Bengaluru show relocated amid right-wing backlash

Kunal Kamra’s Bengaluru show has been shifted from Whitefield to Koramangala after a right-wing outfit objected to the event and asked the police to deny permission. The outfit alleged that the comedian had made derogatory comments against Hindu gods and said several cases had been registered against him.The 32-year-old later confirmed that the show will now be held at The Underground Comedy Club in Koramangala from August 3 to August 6. He said ticket holders for the Whitefield show would be refunded. A Whitefield police officer also confirmed that the show had been cancelled at the Whitefield venue.On Saturday, Mohan Gowda, spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti Karnataka and Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti, questioned on X why Kamra had been allowed to perform in Bengaluru. In the post, he wrote, “Bengaluru cannot become a platform for repeated insults to Hindu faith. Why is a comedian facing allegations of making offensive remarks about Hindu beliefs being allowed to perform in Bengaluru without scrutiny?” He also tagged the Bengaluru police.Kamra responded by asking members of the organisation to meet him at the Whitefield Police Station “to debate on comedy & culture” while he was seeking permission to perform. Later, he posted a photograph with columnist Aakar Patel outside the police station, suggesting that no one had turned up there. In another post, Kamra wrote, “For everyone who’s asking when will be performing in Mumbai. I’d need 145 MLA’s, 7500 Crores, ED, EC, CBI, A Party Symbol & Court Judgement If anyone has any leads let me know.” On Sunday, Gowda visited the Koramangala Police Station and submitted a memorandum urging the police to deny permission for Kamra’s show. In a post on X, Gowda said, “Hindu leaders, under the banner of the Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti, today submitted a complaint to the @kmangalaps demanding the cancellation of the Koramangala comedy show of controversial comedian @kunalkamra88 he has insulted Lord Shri Ram and the Hindu faith through comedy.”The show had originally been scheduled at URU in Whitefield. It was later moved to The Underground Comedy Club in Koramangala. Kamra said the performances would go ahead at the new venue from August 3 to August 6, and that those who had bought tickets for the Whitefield show would receive refunds.The wider controversyKamra has been at the centre of several controversies over his political satire in recent years. His jokes have often targeted politicians, governments and public figures, drawing both praise and criticism. One major controversy followed a parody song performance that was widely seen as referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.During the act, he repeatedly used the word “gaddar” to mock Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, when he split the undivided Shiv Sena and later formed the government with the BJP. Although Kamra did not name Shinde directly, Shiv Sena leaders said the act was aimed at him and was defamatory.The row later escalated when Shiv Sena workers vandalised Mumbai’s Habitat Comedy Club, where the show had been recorded. Police subsequently registered multiple FIRs against Kamra over the performance. He maintained that he had not broken any law and defended his right to political satire. He has also faced backlash over some earlier performances and social media posts that critics claimed had hurt religious sentiments, with right-wing groups objecting to his shows and seeking cancellations in different cities.Kamra also refused to apologise before a Maharashtra legislature privileges committee over remarks targeting Shinde. The committee was formed after a breach of privilege notice was moved following a complaint over his comments. After a hearing, Kamra said on X, “Do you feel remorse? No. Are you sorry about what you said? No. If you tender an unconditional apology, this matter will be looked at differently — No, I can’t, as the apology would not be sincere."He added that it would set a terrible precedent for other artists and their freedom.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka SharmaPublished On: Aug 3, 2026 21:22 IST