From Kunal Kamra to Samay Raina: 7 Comedians Who Faced Major Controversies Over Their Jokes
From Kunal Kamra’s bold political satire to Samay Raina’s controversial show, several Indian comedians have faced legal troubles and public outrage over the years.
Comedy has always thrived on pushing boundaries, but in India, it often teeters on a tightrope between freedom of expression and public outrage. No one embodies this better than Kunal Kamra, whose sharp political satire has repeatedly landed him in controversy. And he’s not alone. Over the years, several Indian comedians—from Kamra to emerging names like Samay Raina—have faced intense backlash, legal troubles, or public condemnation for their content. Whether it’s a satirical dig at political figures or offhand jokes that don’t sit well with certain groups, these incidents highlight how easily humor can spark nationwide debates.
Here’s a look at some of the most high-profile controversies involving Indian comedians, reflecting the challenges and risks that come with being unapologetically outspoken.
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1. Kunal Kamra’s Satirical Dig at Eknath Shinde
Kunal Kamra, known for his sharp political commentary, found himself in hot water once again after a performance where he tweaked a popular Hindi song to label Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde a “gaddar" (traitor). The jab didn’t sit well with members of Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, who retaliated by vandalizing the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai. The club temporarily shut down, citing safety concerns. An FIR was filed against Kamra, with political leaders, including CM Devendra Fadnavis, demanding an apology. The incident reignited discussions on whether satire has limits.
2. Samay Raina’s ‘India’s Got Latent’ Controversy
Comedian Samay Raina courted controversy after an episode of his show “India’s Got Latent" went viral for all the wrong reasons. Guest Ranveer Allahbadia posed an obscene question involving a contestant’s parents, triggering outrage. Police complaints followed, and Allahbadia was summoned, with even his passport seized. The issue escalated to Parliament, prompting serious conversations about regulating online content. Raina later removed the show’s episodes and stated his willingness to cooperate with authorities.
3. Munawar Faruqui’s Arrest and Public Backlash
Munawar Faruqui’s run-ins with controversy began in 2021 when he was arrested in Indore over allegations of making offensive jokes about Hindu deities and Amit Shah—though claims suggest the jokes weren’t even made. The uproar led to show cancellations and reignited freedom of speech debates.
In 2024, post his Bigg Boss 17 win, Munawar again faced flak for an offhand comment about Konkani people during a crowd-work segment in Taloja. Social media backlash forced him to release an apology, acknowledging the insensitivity.
4. Tanmay Bhat’s Mimicry Row
Tanmay Bhat, co-founder of AIB, landed in trouble in 2016 after a Snapchat video surfaced where he mimicked legends like APJ Abdul Kalam, Sachin Tendulkar, and Lata Mangeshkar using face filters. Many saw it as disrespectful, prompting public outrage. This, coupled with AIB’s infamous roast event and their later #MeToo scandal, contributed to the group’s decline.
5. Kapil Sharma’s Off-Stage Troubles
Kapil Sharma, typically known for his clean comedy, hasn’t been controversy-free. In 2016, he was criticized for sexist remarks about women in government jobs. Later, his public fallout with co-star Sunil Grover, where Kapil reportedly hurled abuse mid-flight, stained his image and led to a brief career slump.
6. Kunal Kamra’s Airline Ban & Judicial Comments
Kamra’s history of stirring controversy is well-documented. In 2020, he was banned by several airlines after confronting journalist Arnab Goswami on a flight. His tweets targeting the judiciary also led to contempt proceedings from the Supreme Court. Despite the backlash, Kamra continues to push boundaries with his bold satire.
7. Vir Das’ ‘Two Indias’ Monologue
In 2021, Vir Das set off a political firestorm with his “Two Indias" monologue at Washington’s Kennedy Center. While many praised his candid take on India’s contradictions, others accused him of tarnishing the country’s image abroad. Legal complaints and demands for an apology soon followed, cementing his place in the list of comedians frequently walking the tightrope between humor and controversy.
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