Kunal Kamra Apologizes to Banker Summoned by Police After Show

Kunal Kamra, goes ahead to apologize in public to the banker based in Navi Mumbai who had to cut short his vacation due to summons concerning a defamation case against him.

Bani April 3, 2025

9 2 minutes read

Kunal Kamra Apologises for Forcing Banker to Cut Trip

Comedian, Kunal Kamra, goes ahead to apologize in public to the banker based in Navi Mumbai who had to cut short his vacation due to summons concerning a defamation case against him. Kamra mentioned a vague parody song about the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde in the performance.

History of the Incident

In February 2025, Kunal Kamra gave his first public performance at The Habitat in Mumbai with a show called “Naya Bharat,” which included a parody song obviously directed toward the Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling him a “gaddar” (traitor) because of his political realignment in 2022. This video was later uploaded to YouTube in March and embroiled Kamra in much political controversy and the filing of many First Information Reports (FIRs) for the alleged defamation.

Impact on the Audience Member

The 46-year-old banker is from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Kamra’s shows took the banker into the eye of a storm, as it turned out that he had been summoned by the Mumbai Police to appear as a witness in the defamation case. As he was on a 17-day trip to Tamil Nadu-Kerala, returning on April 6, he had to cut his journey short and return to Mumbai on April 1 because of repeated calls and a notice served by the police on March 29.

Kamra’s Apology and Offer

Also, after knowing about the plight of the banker from the media, Kamra apologized on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He stated, “I am sorry for the trouble that my attending show has caused to you.” Kamra further said he would sponsor the banker’s next vacation, adding an offer to arrange the banker’s next time-off “please email me so that I can plan your next vacation anywhere you want in India.”

Police Statement

After the incident, an officer from the Khar police station clarified that no formal summons had been issued to the banker or any other audience member. The officer stated that while the police were reaching out to individuals present at the show as part of their investigation, he had informed the banker that his appearance was not immediately required.

Wider Implications

The incident has sparked debate over the limits of freedom of expression and the consequences that artists and their audiences may have to face in India. Kamra, who has satirically shredded numerous political figures, has seen the courts turn on him before. In his present situation, his performance has drawn fire politically with some vandalism placed against The Habitat studio by supporters of Shinde’s Shiv Sena party; and the said studio is facing partial demolition due to alleged illegal construction. This thus confirms the politically sensitive environment in which political satire exists in this country.

Kamra public apology and plan to foot the bill for the next vacation of a banker reveal how unintended assaults by audiences can occur on the heels of politically charging performances. This has again raised the issue of how well one can balance artistic expression with concerns of politics and its possible incidental observations that followed the performer to audience.

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