Kunal Kamra's old video backing Kangana Ranaut’s office demolition resurfaces amid free speech debate

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is once again at the center of controversy, but this time, it’s not just for his recent remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. As social media buzzes with criticism over his statements, an old video of Kamra has resurfaced, drawing even more attention to the ongoing debate about freedom of speech.

The resurfaced video clip is from Kamra’s talk show Shut Up Ya Kunal, where he was joined by Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut. This episode was recorded shortly after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut’s bungalow in Bandra in 2020. During the discussion, Kamra openly supported the demolition, appearing to endorse the action taken against Ranaut for her outspoken remarks against the Maharashtra government.

Adding to the controversy, Kamra even posed with Raut in a playful photo session featuring toy bulldozers, seemingly making light of the situation. At one point in the episode, he even suggested that Raut should be made the President of India. These moments, which once seemed to align with Kamra’s political stance, are now being scrutinized as his recent controversy unfolds.

Kamra recently came under fire for mocking Eknath Shinde during a stand-up performance, where he referred to the Maharashtra Deputy CM as a ‘Gaddar’ (traitor) while incorporating the popular Bollywood song Dil To Pagal Hai. The joke did not sit well with Shinde’s supporters, leading to swift retaliation.

Following the viral spread of Kamra’s performance, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) party workers took to the streets in protest. Their anger escalated into action as they ransacked the office of Habitat at The Unicontinental Mumbai in Khar West, a venue associated with Kamra’s performances. Additionally, several complaints were filed against the comedian at local police stations, with Shiv Sena leaders reinforcing their demand for legal consequences.

As Kamra now speaks out against the destruction of the Habitat office, many on social media are calling him out for hypocrisy. Netizens argue that while he supported BMC’s demolition of Kangana Ranaut’s property, he is now advocating for free speech when facing a similar situation himself. “When it suits their narrative, suppression is acceptable; when tables turn, they suddenly become defenders of free speech,” a user commented on X (formerly Twitter).

The controversy has ignited a larger debate about the limits of freedom of expression and the consequences that come with speaking out against political figures. While Kamra’s supporters defend his right to satire and critique, others believe his past stance undermines his current argument.

As the situation continues to unfold, the resurfaced video has only added fuel to the fire, leaving the internet divided on whether Kamra is a victim of political backlash or facing the consequences of his own past positions.