Mumbai’s popular Habitat Studio, a well-known venue for stand-up performances, has temporarily shut down after being attacked by Shiv Sena activists over comedian Kunal Kamra’s jokes. The incident has sparked a fresh debate over freedom of expression and political intolerance in India’s comedy circuit.
The attack reportedly took place after Kamra’s recent stand-up routine, in which he allegedly made remarks that offended Shiv Sena members. The venue, which regularly hosts comedians and musicians, has now decided to suspend its operations indefinitely for safety concerns.
Reacting to the controversy, Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Ramdas Kadam, strongly criticized Kamra for his jokes but also assured that action would be taken against those responsible for the attack. “Law and order must be upheld, and violence is not the solution,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Kamra, known for his bold political satire, has remained defiant. In a social media post, he mocked the attackers, questioning whether comedy was now a threat to political ideologies. Supporters from the stand-up community have condemned the attack, calling it an assault on artistic freedom.
As tensions rise, the key question remains—does this attack set a dangerous precedent for comedians in India, or will it lead to greater protections for free speech in the arts?
