In the latest chapter of India’s ongoing debate on freedom of speech, comedian Kunal Kamra has raised concerns over his potential delisting from BookMyShow, one of India’s most prominent online ticketing platforms. In a detailed note shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kunal Kamra asked BookMyShow not to delist his upcoming shows and also requested access to contact information of his ticket-buying audience. His public appeal came amid mounting controversy over a parody performance that allegedly mocked Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, triggering FIRs and protests.
The situation escalated quickly when the comedy venue Habitat, where the performance was recorded, was vandalised by Yuva Sena—the youth wing of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Kunal Kamra’s parody version of the Bollywood classic Bholi Si Surat reportedly referenced Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor), a term loaded with political implications since Shinde’s split from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena in 2022. This parody sparked outrage among political supporters and became the catalyst for a wider conversation on creative liberties and political sensitivities.
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Kunal Kamra’s Appeal to BookMyShow
Addressing BookMyShow directly, Kunal Kamra wrote, “Dear @bookmyshow—I still don’t know if I have your platform or no. Below is humble view…” He stated that while he does not support boycotts or downrating private businesses, he wanted transparency regarding the platform’s stance. In a more detailed letter, Kamra acknowledged that BookMyShow operates within a business framework and must maintain relations with the state. However, he took issue with the platform’s alleged refusal to allow artists to list shows independently through their own websites.
Kunal Kamra stressed that this exclusivity has hindered his ability to connect with his long-time audience. He claimed to have built a loyal following between 2017 and 2025, who have consistently bought tickets via BookMyShow. Now, with no direct access to those users’ contact details, he feels disconnected from the base that supported him throughout his career. His statement ended with a clear request: “Do not delist me, or provide me with the data (contact information) I’ve generated through your platform from my audience.”
BookMyShow’s Clarification
Responding swiftly, BookMyShow released an official statement asserting that “facts have been misrepresented in the public domain.” They clarified that their role is limited to providing a ticketing platform and that decisions to list or delist any show lie solely with the event organisers or venue authorities. The company highlighted its position as a neutral business entity that operates under the purview of Indian law.
“Our role is to provide a platform for ticket sales of live shows,” the statement read, adding, “It is the decision of the organiser or the venue to list or delist their shows.” BookMyShow further clarified that it does not restrict any artist from selling their show through other means, including personal websites. They reiterated their commitment to enabling shared experiences across diverse beliefs and opinions, distancing themselves from any endorsement of performance content.
This clarification from BookMyShow adds a new layer to the Kunal Kamra BookMyShow delisting controversy, underscoring the nuances of platform responsibility and artistic freedom.
Legal Ramifications and Public Reaction
Amid the backlash, multiple FIRs were filed against Kunal Kamra across different police stations in Maharashtra. In response, the comedian approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the legality and intent of the complaints. He argued that the FIRs violate his fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and life under Article 19 and Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Public opinion remains sharply divided. Supporters of Kunal Kamra argue that satire and political commentary are protected under free speech. They believe that comedians must be allowed to critique public figures and politics without fear of legal or commercial retaliation. Meanwhile, critics accuse him of crossing ethical boundaries, suggesting that political humour must be respectful and avoid inciting unrest.
The Role of Platforms in Creative Freedom
The Kunal Kamra BookMyShow delisting row has once again spotlighted the role of digital platforms in India’s live entertainment landscape. As a dominant ticketing service, BookMyShow has often been viewed as the gateway between performers and their audiences. However, exclusivity in listings and control over audience data may create an imbalance—especially in politically sensitive situations.
Kamra’s demand to access his audience data raises questions around data ownership, artist autonomy, and transparency in the ticketing ecosystem. If platforms like BookMyShow are intermediaries, should artists have more control over their digital audience relationships? And if political pressures can potentially influence platform decisions, what safeguards exist to protect artistic expression?
The controversy also draws parallels to previous instances where comedians like Munawar Faruqui and Agrima Joshua faced similar pushbacks. Both experienced show cancellations or threats due to content deemed offensive by specific groups. In such a climate, the fear of being deplatformed could lead to self-censorship—a chilling effect on creativity.
What This Means for Indian Comedy
For India’s comedy circuit, the Kunal Kamra BookMyShow delisting issue may set a precedent. Performers are now re-evaluating their dependence on centralised platforms. Some are exploring decentralised models of ticketing, direct website integrations, or even blockchain-based systems to maintain audience access and data security.
Kunal Kamra’s case could become a test for both legal boundaries and corporate ethics. If the courts favour Kamra’s argument, it may force digital platforms to rethink how they handle artist relationships, especially when external pressures mount. On the other hand, if BookMyShow’s current stance is upheld, it may prompt artists to seek alternatives to protect their creative and commercial independence.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear—the intersection of comedy, politics, and digital infrastructure in India is now more tightly woven than ever before. The Kunal Kamra BookMyShow delisting episode has transformed into a larger commentary on where India stands in terms of free speech, platform neutrality, and digital rights.
Kunal Kamra has long been known for his fearless political humour, often poking fun at influential figures and state actions. While satire remains an essential pillar of democracy, its space seems increasingly threatened by political sensitivities and corporate caution. The Kunal Kamra BookMyShow delisting controversy brings forth a pressing question: Can digital platforms remain neutral facilitators when political outrage knocks on their doors?
Only time—and perhaps the courts—will tell.
