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Mumbai’s popular Habitat Comedy Club has been forced to shut its doors after a violent attack by political supporters on Sunday night. The incident occurred after comedian Kunal Kamra performed a satirical song about Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, sparking outrage among Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) supporters.
Comedy Show Disrupted, Venue Ransacked
Eyewitness videos from the club showed men wearing Shiv Sena scarves interrupting a live performance, throwing chairs, tearing down posters, and smashing light fittings. The attack left the club’s management with no choice but to suspend its operations indefinitely.
WATCH:
In Delhi PM Modi says ‘criticism is soul of democracy’; in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (Shinde) smash up a comedy club after a @kunalkamra88 stand up show. Will anyone in govt (state or centre) speak up to defend Kamra’s right to free expression? Didn’t like what the stand up comedian… pic.twitter.com/HESFfZHl89
Advertisement · Scroll to continue— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) March 24, 2025
Kunal Kamra’s Political Satire Sparks Backlash
Kamra, known for his sharp political satire, performed a song that criticized Eknath Shinde, the leader of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and Maharashtra’s Chief Minister. The performance appears to have triggered the violent response from his supporters.
This isn’t the first time Kamra has faced backlash for his political commentary. The comedian has been vocal in his criticism of various political figures, often sparking controversy and drawing legal trouble.
Political Tensions & Free Speech Concerns
The attack has raised serious concerns over freedom of expression in India, with comedians and artists fearing growing intolerance toward political satire. Many on social media condemned the violence against the comedy club, calling it an attack on democratic values.
Habitat Comedy Club Shuts Down
Following the vandalism, the Habitat Comedy Club announced its closure. The club, a well-known venue in Mumbai’s stand-up comedy scene, has hosted numerous Indian and international comedians over the years.
As of now, neither the Mumbai Police nor the Maharashtra government has issued a statement on any arrests or action against the attackers.
With increasing incidents of artistic censorship and political interference, this latest attack on a comedy venue has reignited debates about freedom of speech in India. Whether Habitat Comedy Club will reopen remains uncertain.
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