Credit: Special Arrangement
Mumbai: Amid threats and multiple FIRs, stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Tuesday came out with a strong social media post hit out at the government for what he described the developments as a “playbook” on “how to kill an artist democratically” even as sharp reactions emerged to Khar police station recording the statements who had attended the Naya Bharat show which ran into controversy.
The 36-year-old Kamra has posted his views on X and Instagram.
Pointing out the steps, he wrote: “1) Outrage just enough for brands to stop commissioning their work. 2) Outrage more—until private and corporate gigs dry up. 3) Outrage louder—so big venues won't take the risk. 4) Outrage violently—until even the smallest spaces shut their doors. 5) Summon their audience for questioning—turning art into a crime scene.”
Under such circumstances, Kamra pointed out: “Now the artist is left with only two choices: Sell their soul and become a dollar puppet—or wither in silence.”
Kamra went on to say: “This isn't just a playbook, it’s a political weapon. A silencing machine”.
Meanwhile, there were sharp reactions to the Khar police station recording the statements of those who attended the Naya Bharat show of Kamra, which later ran into controversy for the ‘gaddar’ jibe aimed at Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde.
“The state of democracy in our country. A comedian makes a song on a turncoat corrupt politician without even naming him. The loonies decide that the description fits their boss. They go and break the studio, thinking the comedian performed there an hour ago. The police are instructed to target comedy. They don’t just file a case on the comedian, but send legal notices to the audience too,” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said.