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Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Kaleidoscope

Buddhist monks participate in the 37th Nyingma Monlam Chenmo (World Peace Prayers) at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar on Monday. A worker sorts rain-damaged rice grain at a storage centre amid reports of irregularities in procurement and storage operations in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh, on Monday. A woman performs rituals during the ongoing Magh Mela 2026 at Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Monday. Police personnel during rehearsals for the upcoming Republic Day parade in...

Kaleidoscope

Buddhist monks participate in the 37th Nyingma Monlam Chenmo (World Peace Prayers) at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar on Monday. A worker sorts rain-damaged rice grain at a storage centre amid reports of irregularities in procurement and storage operations in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh, on Monday. A woman performs rituals during the ongoing Magh Mela 2026 at Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Monday. Police personnel during rehearsals for the upcoming Republic Day parade in Bhopal on Monday. A seagull perches on a woman's hand near the causeway of the Tapi river in Surat on Monday.

Habitat Shuts Down After Sena Workers Wreck Club Over Kamra’s ‘Gaddar’ Jibe

Comedy club announces temporary closure, says it won’t censor artists’ views


Mumbai’s Habitat Comedy Club has announced a temporary shutdown following the March 23 vandalism by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers in response to comedian Kunal Kamra’s latest stand-up special, Naya Bharat. In an Instagram post, the club expressed shock and distress over the attack, emphasizing that while it provides a platform for performers, it does not influence or endorse their content.


“We are deeply shaken and heartbroken by this act of vandalism. Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices, and we have never interfered with their performances. Until we find a way to ensure free expression without risking our safety and property, we are shutting down,” the club stated.


The incident occurred after Kamra’s comments in his YouTube video, where he called Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a gaddar (traitor), angering Shiv Sena supporters. On Sunday, party workers stormed the venue in Khar, disrupting an ongoing live performance by stand-up comedian Rajat Sood and damaging the club’s set.


Following the attack, an FIR was registered against Shiv Sena Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal and 19 others for vandalizing the club. According to Sub-Inspector Vijay of Khar Police Station, the accused forcibly stopped the show and caused damage to the venue.

The club’s closure has sparked discussions about the growing threats to artistic freedom and the space for independent comedy in India.

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