Kangana Ranaut Slams Kunal Kamra Over Eknath Shinde Remarks Amid Comedy Row:

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has strongly criticized stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for his satirical remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which have stirred significant political backlash in the state.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Kangana—an MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh—said that mocking individuals in the name of comedy was distasteful and disrespectful. “You are disgracing someone who has achieved everything through his own hard work. Shinde ji once drove an auto-rickshaw. What are Kamra's credentials?” she asked.

Ranaut Rejects Comparisons with 2020 Bulldozer Incident

Kangana also dismissed comparisons between the recent partial demolition at The Habitat Centre—the venue where Kamra performed—and the 2020 demolition of her Mumbai office. “My office demolition was illegal. This (Habitat) action is legal. You can’t compare the two,” she clarified.

Denouncing Comedy That "Mocks People and Culture"

The BJP MP further condemned Kamra’s performance, suggesting that it crossed boundaries of decency. “These people haven’t done anything meaningful. If you can write, write literature or film scripts. Don’t abuse or mock culture, scriptures, or women in the name of comedy,” she said. Ranaut also referenced a previous controversy involving content creator Ranveer Allahabadia, who had made controversial remarks at the same venue.

Background: Kamra's Viral Performance and Political Fallout

The controversy began after a video of Kamra’s January stand-up set resurfaced, in which he parodied a song from Dil Toh Pagal Hai, allegedly referring to Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). The act also included satire on recent political developments, such as the Shiv Sena and NCP splits.

The video sparked a strong backlash from Shiv Sena supporters, who vandalized The Habitat Centre and demanded action against Kamra. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also criticized the comedian, stating that Kamra owed an apology for his “low-level comedy.”