BookMyShow Bans Comedian Kunal Kamra, Stops Ticket Sales in Bold Move

Popular ticket-booking platform BookMyShow has banned comedian Kunal Kamra, pulling his shows and removing him from their artist list. This sudden decision follows threats from Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and puts Kunal’s career in the spotlight, stirring up a storm over free speech in India.

Details & Context

- The Ban: BookMyShow, a go-to site for event tickets has erased all traces of Kunal Kamra. Fans can no longer buy tickets for his comedy shows through the platform, cutting off a major income source.

- Why It Happened: A day earlier, Rahul N Kanal, a youth leader from Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), sent a letter to BookMyShow. He warned them against supporting Kunal, claiming his jokes hurt people’s feelings and could disrupt law and order in Mumbai.

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- The Trigger: Kunal recently posted a YouTube video mocking India’s political scene. Though he didn’t name Eknath Shinde directly, his jabs at the Shiv Sena leader’s rise to power angered the party. This led to vandalism at a venue, death threats and police FIRs.

- Police Action: Mumbai Police have summoned Kunal for the third time over an FIR linked to his “traitor” remark aimed at Shinde, adding fuel to the fire.

Quotes

- “If you keep selling his tickets, it’s like you’re backing his divisive words.” – Rahul N Kanal, Shiv Sena leader.

- “They’re trying to choke my livelihood but I won’t stop speaking.” – Kunal Kamra (fan speculation).

- “This is an attack on free speech. Kunal and his fans deserve better.” – Amnesty India.

Additional Information

- Shiv Sena’s Pressure: Rahul’s letter hinted at trouble if BookMyShow didn’t comply, pointing to recent Shiv Sena vandalism at Habitat. Many see it as a veiled threat.

- Political Angle: Eknath Shinde, once Maharashtra’s CM and now Deputy CM under Devendra Fadnavis, is reportedly cornered politically. Some analysts say targeting Kunal is a way to flex muscle and send a message to rivals like BJP.

- Fan Fallout: Reports claim police even questioned audience members from Kunal’s shows, raising fears of intimidation.

Impact Analysis

- Kunal’s Career: Losing BookMyShow could hit Kunal’s earnings hard but his loyal fans might rally online, boosting his YouTube presence.

- Free Speech: This ban fuels a bigger debate—can comedians speak freely in India or will politics silence them.? It’s a test for artistic freedom.

- Society: Tensions in Mumbai could rise if protests grow, especially with Shiv Sena’s history of strong-arm tactics.

BookMyShow’s ban on Kunal Kamra isn’t just about one comedian—it’s a clash of power, politics and expression. With Shiv Sena flexing its influence and free speech under fire, this story is far from over. Will Kunal bounce back or will this silence him.? Stay tuned.

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