Unicontinental Studio reportedly faced demolition by BMC after comedian Kunal Kamra's remarks during a performance, where he allegedly used the term "gaddar" (traitor).
Mumbai’s Unicontinental Studio in Khar reportedly faced demolition by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday, with officials arriving at the premises equipped with hammers. The civic body cited an unspecified violation for the action, as per NDTV, which came hours after the venue was vandalised by workers of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) on Sunday night.
The attack followed comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent remarks during a performance, where he allegedly used the term “gaddar” (traitor), widely interpreted as a reference to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The comment drew strong reactions from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena coalition government, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding an apology.
BMC officials arrive at Unicontinental Studio with hammers, news agency ANI reported,
#WATCH | Mumbai: BMC officials arrive at Unicontinental Studio in Khar area of Mumbai. The officials have arrived here with hammers. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/dLb1O2z3uT
— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2025
According to sources cited by NDTV, Kamra told the Mumbai Police that he had no regrets about his statement. He also clarified that he would only apologise if directed by a court. Additionally, police sources told NDTV that Kamra, who spoke to them from Tamil Nadu, denied allegations that he was paid by the opposition to target Shinde. He reportedly permitted authorities to examine his financial records to verify that no such payments were made.
The vandalism at Unicontinental Studio was followed by a protest in Thane—considered Shinde’s political stronghold—where Sena workers burned Kamra’s photo outside a police station. Videos circulating online showed a mob storming the studio, damaging property and throwing chairs.
Mumbai Studio Shut Down After Vandalism Over Kunal Kamra’s ‘Traitor’ Remark
Habitat Studio, which hosted Kamra’s show and had earlier featured influencer Ranveer Allahabadia on the ‘India’s Got Latent’ programme, distanced itself from the comedian’s remarks. The management stated, “Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices. We have never been involved in the content performed by any artist, but the recent events have made us rethink how we get blamed and targeted every time, almost like we are a proxy for the performer.”
Citing security concerns, the studio announced its closure, saying, “We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy.” The management also extended an invitation to artists, audiences, and stakeholders to discuss ways to uphold performers’ rights while ensuring safety.
The controversy surrounding Kamra’s remarks is the latest in a series of political flashpoints involving the comedian. The BJP-led Maharashtra government has registered multiple police complaints against him, including one filed by state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. Meanwhile, a separate case has been filed against those involved in the vandalism at the studio.
Leaders from the opposition, particularly the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction, criticised the government’s response. Aaditya Thackeray labelled Shinde an “insecure coward,” while party leader Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned the intolerance surrounding the issue. “Their vandalism shows that it hurt them and that there is truth in the joke. What kind of intolerance is this? If you don’t like something, file a police complaint…” she remarked.
Habitat Studio also issued a public statement asserting that it had no involvement in Kamra’s latest video and did not endorse the views expressed in it. The management apologised to those who were “hurt by the video,” but reiterated that it could not be held accountable for statements made by performers.
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