Kunal Kamra Requests BookMyShow for Audience Data After Delisting Controversy:

In a public letter shared on X (formerly Twitter), stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra appealed to BookMyShow to either:

Not delist him as an artist from its platform, or

Share contact data of his audience gathered through solo show listings over the years.

Kamra acknowledged BookMyShow’s need to maintain cordial relations with state authorities, especially in a city like Mumbai, where cooperation is essential for major live events.

“The least I deserve, should you choose to delist me, is access to the audience I have built,” he wrote.

BookMyShow Responds: Platform Acts with Neutrality

BookMyShow responded via Instagram, stating that the platform has been misrepresented. Without naming Kamra directly, the company clarified:

It does not delist artists, but organisers or venues have the authority to do so.

The platform operates with neutrality and in compliance with Indian laws.

Performer content does not reflect the views of BookMyShow.

“Our platform is about bringing people together through shared experiences, regardless of their beliefs,” it said.

Kamra Opposes Boycott Calls, Raises Data Access Concerns

Kamra also addressed his followers who called for a boycott of BookMyShow, stating:

“I’m not a fan of boycotts or down-rating a private business.”

He argued that artists bear significant advertising costs—₹6,000 to ₹10,000 per day—to reach their own audience, despite BookMyShow taking a 10% revenue cut.

On data privacy, Kamra said:

“While data protection is important, there should be room to access your own audience as a solo artist.”

He differentiated between collective events (e.g., Pune Comedy Festival) and solo shows, where he believes the audience data should belong to the artist.

Ongoing Legal Dispute and Safety Concerns

Kamra’s letter was posted the same day he approached the Bombay High Court seeking to quash an FIR filed over remarks against Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The Madras High Court extended his interim anticipatory bail until April 17.

Kamra also claimed he has been receiving death threats following the controversy and requested to be questioned via video conference due to safety concerns.