Why Are People Donating Money To Comedian Kunal Kamra On YouTube?

Giving a twist to ‘Bholi Si Surat’ track from 1997’s Dil To Pagal Hai, Kamra took shots at Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde. “Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye!" Kamra said while reading out the altered lyrics of the popular song on stage. The modified song was to highlight Shinde’s rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government in Maharashtra in 2022.

This wasn’t received well by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who stated that freedom of expression was encouraged but it shouldn’t lead to tyranny. “Eknath Shinde ji has been insulted, and an attempt has been made to do so. This will not be tolerated. The elections have proven who the traitors are. No stand-up comedian should have the right to call such a big leader a traitor," Fadnavis said.

“There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but he cannot speak whatever he wants. The people of Maharashtra have decided who the traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologise. This will not be tolerated," he added. The CM also noted that appropriate action would be taken against the comedian and that Kamra needed to apologise for his act.

Venue Vandalised

Shiv Sena leaders were seen turning the studio upside down as videos of party workers vandalising the venue where Kamra’s video was shot went viral online. 12 Sena leaders were arrested and later granted bail. Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel who lodged an FIR against the comedian demanded an apology from Kamra stating that “The Shiv Sainiks will not let him move freely in Mumbai," before adding, “If he is seen anywhere in public, we will paint his face black."

The studio’s official Instagram handle informed that they were shutting down and figuring out a way to provide artists a stage for free expression without putting themselves in the crossfire.

Also Read: Kunal Kamra’s Call Records, Bank Details Under Maharashtra Govt Scanner After Eknath Shinde Parody

“We are shocked, worried, and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us."

“Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices. We have never been involved in the content performed by any Artist, but the recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time almost like we are a proxy for the performer."

“We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy. We invite all artists, audience and stakeholders to discuss and share their views freely and request your guidance so that we also respect the performers’ rights," the studio wrote in the post.

Freedom Of Speech

“‘Mere ko toh acha laga, acha kiya’: Kunal Kamra when Kangana Ranaut’s office was demolished by the BMC. Sanjay Raut was mocking the demolition, and this was Kamra’s response. Before you stand for his ‘freedom of speech’, do watch this. Just an observation," a user wrote on ‘X’ while sharing an old video where Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut discussed about actress Kangana Ranaut whose Mumbai house was demolished in 2020 by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) amid her battle with Shiv Sena.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut Recalls 2020 House Demolition Incident: ‘Violence Was Unleashed On Me’

“this thing was amended for the first time to take away the guarantee of free speech. free speech with random restraints is not a right. it’s a privilege. tamil nadu resident kamra enjoys the privilege as long as he doesn’t sh*t on stalin like he did on shinde, (sic)" wrote another user.

“The only time you can take umbrage from freedom of speech is if it incites violence. Kunal Kamra’s act does no such thing. Any political leader who is mature and confident will laugh along," a user wrote in Kamra’s defence.

YouTube Donations

As Kamra’s parody song set the social media aflame, folks on YouTube came out with extinguishers. Hundreds and thousands of supporters from different corners of the world emptied their wallets for the comedian. They did so using YouTube’s “Super Thanks," a feature for the viewer to support the creator directly. This was their way to support the comedian’s “freedom of speech" while also noting that his sharp political satire was “brave" in nature and it would invariably lead to cancellation of Kamra’s future prospects such as stand-up gigs.

“Thanks Kunal for having the courage to speak out. I hope everyone will put their money where their mouth is and support the freedom of speech in our country," a YouTuber commenter wrote while donating Rs 179.

Another commenter, donating £99.99, wrote: “They will come for you for this. Please setup a fundraiser and we will foot your bills for pulling no punches. Cheers mate."

Also Read: ‘Rise Up, Get Constructive’: Sena Reacts To Kunal Kamra’s Statement, Alleges He ‘Wants To Spoil Law & Order’

“It’s a dark time for any country when comedy requires bravery," a third wrote. They donated $5 to Kamra.

(YouTube screenshots / Kunal Kamra | Naya Bharat)

Streisand Effect?

The controversy wouldn’t have birthed had Kunal Kamra’s parody video been left alone and not shared like hot potato across media platforms and WhatsApp groups, opined a few. The mere act of taking offence to a comedy video only brought more eyeballs to Kamra’s sharp jibes that have now been viewed by tens of millions of people across India and beyond. “Lesser people would have seen Kunal’s show. But Eknath Shinde’s workers ensured it reaches the masses now," typed down an ‘X’ user.

Kunal Kamra Responds

Kamra minced no words in a statement he issued on ‘X’.

“Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system," Kamra wrote.

“I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke?" he said.

The comedian slammed Shiv Sena for vandalism and asserted that the venue (Habitat) wasn’t responsible for his comedy nor had any say in his content.