Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has broken his silence after online ticketing platform BookMyShow delisted him and removed all content related to his shows. In a detailed statement shared on Instagram, Kamra addressed BookMyShow directly, raising critical concerns about artist autonomy, platform exclusivity, and audience data access.
In his open letter titled “Dear BookMyShow,” Kamra acknowledged the platform’s need to maintain cordial relations with state authorities, especially in a city like Mumbai—a major hub for live entertainment. However, he asserted that the central issue was not about delisting but about BookMyShow’s exclusive control over show listings.
“By not allowing artists to list their shows through their own websites, you’ve effectively prevented me from accessing the audience I’ve performed for from 2017 to 2025,” Kamra wrote. He criticized the platform’s 10% revenue cut and highlighted the additional marketing burden artists must bear, spending up to ₹10,000 a day to reach their own audiences.
Kamra further demanded access to contact information of his solo show audiences, arguing it’s his right to engage directly with fans who came specifically for his performance. “The least I deserve, should you choose to delist me, is access to them,” he said.
Dear @bookmyshow – I still don’t know if I have your platform or no.
Below is humble view –
To the audiences I’m not a fan of boycotts or down rating a private business…
Book my show is well within their right to do what’s best for their business | pic.twitter.com/TXaB22sfxI— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) April 7, 2025
This statement comes after BookMyShow removed Kamra’s profile from its platform following a request by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) youth leader Rahool N Kanal. Kanal had written to the company, urging them not to host Kamra due to his controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
Reacting to media reports, Kamra had earlier tweeted: “Hello BookMyShow, can you please confirm if I have your platform to list my shows? If not, it’s fine. I understand.”
Kamra’s public statement has reignited debate over the balance between free expression, artist rights, and the influence of political pressure on entertainment platforms.
