BIZARRE: 6 | Mind Blowing Facts

Politics of ‘Marathi asmita’ skips half of Maharashtra

Over the past few months, Maharashtra has seen a renewed wave of Marathi identity politics – or asmita, as it’s known. It began when the Devendra Fadnavis-led government issued a government resolution (GR) making Hindi a compulsory third language in schools. Following backlash, the government quietly revised the order, saying…

Newslaundry · Jul 10, 2025

The Thackerays are back on stage. But will the script sell in 2025 Mumbai?

From branding South Indians as “yandu gundu” in the 70s to targeting North Indians as “bhaiyas”, regional identity has long been the Thackeray brand’s go-to political weapon – first with Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, then with Raj Thackeray’s breakaway Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Decades later, with both Uddhav and Raj politically…

Newslaundry · Jul 9, 2025

Go to Tamil Nadu, do not arrest: Bombay HC to Mumbai cops in Kunal Kamra FIR

The Bombay High Court on Friday directed the Mumbai Police to not arrest comedian Kunal Kamra in the FIR linked to his parody song on the rebellion within the undivided Shiv Sena, LiveLaw reported.

Newslaundry · Apr 25, 2025

TV Newsance 292: Kunal Kamra vs Shiv Sena breakdown, the media trial Rhea Chakraborty endured

Comedian Kunal Kamra’s latest stand-up show has caused a huge political controversy. His jokes have led to protests, vandalism, and even the unexpected shutdown of Mumbai’s famous comedy venue, The Habitat. In this episode of TV Newsance, we look at how ridiculous the outrage is – Shiv Sena workers look…

Newslaundry · Mar 29, 2025

How did we become the world’s largest open-air zoo of offended people?

There’s a comedy venue in Mumbai called The Habitat. But its true identity lies in its logo – an unnaturally tall and innocent-looking H. This H has the kind of polarised energy usually reserved for other combinations of letters, such as an R and an S and then another S. 

Newslaundry · Mar 27, 2025

Kunal Kamra row: Comedian claims he received 500 calls and death threats over Eknath Shinde joke

Comedian Kunal Kamra has shared an update on the ongoing controversy, surrounding his remarks aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The comedian has alleged that since his number was shared online, he has received over 500 calls, including some death threats.

The Times of India · Mar 26, 2025

Has the policing of comedy in India gone too far?

COMEDY IN INDIA UNDER ATTACK: Political party workers vandalising a performing arts venue after a standup comic makes a joke about their leader shows crackdowns on comedy in India are escalating, Shahana Yasmin reports

The Independent UK · Mar 25, 2025

January show, March upload, Sunday night raid: Mumbai club’s fall after Kunal Kamra’s joke

Weeks after it made headlines for being the venue of podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks, the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai now stands shut following vandalism, two FIRs and a political controversy surrounding Kunal Kamra’s performance at the venue.

Newslaundry · Mar 24, 2025

Mumbai comedy club ransacked after performer’s joke about local politician

Shiv Sena party supporters tore apart the Habitat comedy club after Kunal Kamra’s satirical song about a top minister

The Guardian - UK · Mar 24, 2025

Mumbai: Case on comedian Kunal for comments against Shinde; Buzz in political circles

On the other hand, the Uddhav faction was seen defending the comedian. Read further on Dynamite News:

Dynamite News · Mar 24, 2025