Mumbai’s Habitat Studio, a well-known venue for stand-up comedy, has decided to shut down temporarily after being vandalized by Shiv Sena workers. The attack happened in response to comedian Kunal Kamra’s jokes about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The studio announced its decision through an Instagram post, saying it needs time to figure out how to continue supporting free expression while ensuring its safety.
Habitat Studio Shuts After Shiv Sena Attack
In its statement, the studio expressed shock and sadness over the incident. It clarified that it does not control the content of performers and should not be blamed for their opinions. However, after repeated incidents of being targeted, the studio felt the need to rethink its operations. The statement also invited artists, audiences, and stakeholders to discuss ways to maintain artistic freedom while avoiding such conflicts in the future.
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This is not the first time the Habitat Studio has been in the news. Earlier, it was involved in controversy over a show featuring YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia.
Before the attack, the Habitat Studio had already distanced itself from Kamra’s latest video, stating it was not involved in its creation and did not support the views expressed in it. Despite this, a group of Shiv Sena workers entered the premises in Khar and damaged property. Videos from the incident showed them destroying cameras, lights, and speakers.
Kunal Kamra, known for his bold political satire, had recently released a parody of the song Bholi Si Surat from the 1997 film Dil To Pagal Hai. In the parody, he used the term “gaddar” (traitor) to describe Eknath Shinde. The reference relates to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which led to the fall of Thackeray’s government and a split in Shiv Sena. The video led to multiple police complaints against Kamra, including one by minister Pratap Sarnaik.
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The incident has sparked political debates. Aaditya Thackeray, a leader from the rival Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized the attack and questioned the state’s law and order situation under the current government. He remarked that only an insecure leader would react aggressively to a song. On the other hand, Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora defended Eknath Shinde, calling him a “self-made leader” and accusing Kamra’s critics of having a classist attitude.
