Subhechcha Ganguly 
Mumbai’s Habitat Comedy Club has announced its closure following vandalism by Shiv Sena workers in response to comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent standup act, Naya Bharat. Kamra’s performance allegedly referenced Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, leading to outrage from Sena workers, who labeled him a “traitor.” The controversy escalated when a video of the act went viral on social media, prompting Sena members to ransack the club in Khar.
The venue had previously made headlines when podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia sparked outrage with controversial remarks during the shooting of India’s Got Latent. His comments on “parents’ sex” led to multiple complaints and police action against him, comedian Samay Raina, and others involved in the show.
Following the attack, the Habitat released a statement condemning the violence and reaffirming its commitment to creative expression. “We urge constructive conversations, not destruction, to address disagreements. We do not support hate or harm of any kind. Violence and destruction undermine the very spirit of art and dialogue,” the club stated on Instagram.
A police official cited by PTI confirmed that Shiv Sena workers arrived at the venue after Kamra’s jibe against Shinde gained traction online. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also shared the video on social media, captioning it “Kunal Ka Kamal.”
In its statement, the Habitat expressed shock over the attack and announced its temporary shutdown. “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 club said.
Kamra’s act took a satirical dig at Maharashtra politics, mentioning the split within Shiv Sena and NCP, while using the term ‘gaddar’ (traitor) in reference to an unnamed political figure. Following the uproar, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged a police complaint, and an investigation is underway.
The Habitat also clarified that it had no involvement in Kamra’s act and does not endorse the views expressed by performers. “Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices. However, the recent events have made us rethink how we are repeatedly targeted as a proxy for the performer,” the club stated, adding that they are “shocked, worried, and extremely broken” by the attack.
