Shiv Sena leader Rahool Kanal claimed on Saturday that stand-up comic Kunal Kamra has been taken down from ticketing and promotional content listings on popular entertainment platform BookMyShow.
Kanal, a social media coordinator for the Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde faction, thanked BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani for removing Kamra's content, labeling it an effort to maintain the platform "clean" and not have "such artists."
In an online statement, Kanal stated, "Thank you for even taking him out of the BookMyShow search history… Your belief in keeping peace and at the same time showing respect towards our feelings has been key."
BookMyShow did not make any formal statement, however, when questioned on the issue.
Reacting to the reports, Kunal Kamra went on X (formerly Twitter), asking for the development and clarification. "If not, it's fine. I understand," he tweeted, inquiring if he was still permitted to add his shows on the ticketing website.
Kanal's Letter to BookMyShow
In a formal letter to BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani, Kanal penned, "I am writing to convey my heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support of your team to remove the said artist from your sale and promotion list… Your personal intervention and direction by your team were priceless in negotiating and arriving at a solution."
He went further to say that while Mumbai has traditionally welcomed different art forms, it stops at content based on individual agendas. "We greatly appreciate your commitment to BookMyShow's values of support and customer experience," he further stated.
Background of the Controversy
The feud between Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena faction members broke out following Kamra's recent act where he is said to have made a veiled statement against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, referring to him as "traitor." The statement drew an uproar and culminated in a group of Shiv Sainiks, including Kanal, vandalizing the arena where Kamra had performed.
After the incident, Mumbai Police filed a case against Kanal and others for the vandalism. Authorities have also issued three summons to Kamra, who is said to be in Puducherry currently, requesting him to appear in person. To date, the comedian has not replied to any of the notices.
