In a statement on its official Instagram handle, Habitat Studio expressed deep concern over the recent events. "We are shocked, worried, and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us," the statement read. The studio emphasized that artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices, and that it has never been involved in the content performed by any artist. However, the recent events have prompted the studio to reconsider its role, stating, "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 controversy began when a video clip from Kamra's performance at Habitat Studio went viral. In the clip, Kamra parodied a song from the film 'Dil To Pagal Hai', referring to Shinde as a "gaddar" . This reference alluded to Shinde's 2022 defection from the undivided Shiv Sena, a move that had significant political ramifications in Maharashtra.
The parody did not sit well with Shiv Sena members. On Sunday night, a group of Shiv Sena workers gathered outside Hotel Unicontinental in Khar, where Habitat Studio is located. The group allegedly vandalized both the studio and the hotel's premises. Following the incident, the Mumbai police registered a case against nearly 40 Shiv Sena workers for their involvement in the vandalism. Additionally, an FIR was filed against Kunal Kamra for his alleged defamatory remarks about Eknath Shinde.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske issued a stern warning to Kamra, stating that the comedian would be pursued by party workers across the country and could face "dire consequences." Mhaske accused Kamra of accepting money from Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray to tarnish Shinde's image. He further warned, "You will be forced to flee India."
In response to the vandalism, Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray condemned the act, describing it as "cowardly." Thackeray defended Kamra's remarks, asserting that they were "100 percent true," and criticized the current state of law and order in Maharashtra.
The incident has sparked a broader debate about freedom of expression and the boundaries of political satire in India. While comedians often use satire to comment on political figures and events, reactions like the one from Shiv Sena highlight the challenges artists face when their content is perceived as offensive by certain groups.
Habitat Studio's decision to temporarily shut down has raised concerns within the artistic community. The venue has been a significant platform for comedians and artists, providing a space for free expression. Its closure underscores the precarious position that such platforms can find themselves in when caught between artistic freedom and political sensitivities.
The Mumbai police are currently investigating both the vandalism and the complaints against Kamra. As tensions remain high, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between satire and respect in the realm of political commentary.