BookMyShow Issues Clarification After Kunal Kamra’s Open Letter: 'We Do Not Restrict Any Artist'
Kunal Kamra Controversy: BookMyShow responds to Kunal Kamra after delisting row over Eknath Shinde joke, issues official statement.
Kunal Kamra Controversy: BookMyShow has broken its silence after comedian Kunal Kamra accused the platform of delisting his shows and demanded access to audience data it had collected through ticket sales. The controversy erupted after Kamra’s recent stand-up act in which he allegedly made an objectionable remark against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The incident sparked outrage among Shiv Sena supporters and has now snowballed into a heated public exchange between the comedian and the ticketing giant.
In a strongly worded open letter posted on X, formerly Twitter, Kamra questioned BookMyShow’s operational practices, especially its exclusive control over ticketing. “Without the state’s cooperation, iconic shows like Coldplay and Guns N’ Roses wouldn’t be possible," Kamra acknowledged, adding, “I understand that BookMyShow needs to maintain a cordial relationship with the state, and I know that Mumbai is a major hub for live entertainment."
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However, he raised concern about what he termed as the platform’s “exclusive right on listing our shows." Kamra pointed out, “By not allowing artists to list their shows through their own websites, you’ve effectively prevented me from accessing the audience I’ve performed for from 2017 to 2025."
Following the letter, BookMyShow released a public statement addressing the allegations and clarifying its role. “BookMyShow is a platform to facilitate the sale of tickets and operates the business with neutrality and in compliance with the applicable laws of India. Facts on our role have been misrepresented in the public domain. Our role is to provide a platform for ticket sales of live shows and it is the decision of the organiser or the venue to list or delist their shows."
The platform further distanced itself from the content of performances. “The content of each performance is solely at the discretion of the performer or the organiser (as the case may be) and does not bear any representation of our views. We work with all venues and promoters on mutually agreed upon commercials to provide our ticketing service, as would be the case with any business. We do not restrict any artist from selling their show on their own website, should they choose to do so."
Reiterating its neutral stance, the statement added, “Our platform is about bringing people together through shared experiences, regardless of their beliefs. We remain committed to delivering the best possible service and experience for everybody."
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The backlash against Kamra intensified after a video clip from his performance went viral, in which he allegedly referred to Eknath Shinde using derogatory language. In retaliation, Shiv Sena supporters vandalised ‘The Habitat’, the venue where the joke was made, condemning both Kamra and the organisers for allowing such content.
To make matters worse for the comedian, three separate FIRs have been registered against him at Khar Police Station. These complaints were reportedly filed by the Mayor of Jalgaon, a hotelier, and a businessman from Nashik.
In a separate post on social media, he said he would not apologise for his act, standing firmly by his statement.
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