Habitat Studio Shutdown After Shiv Sena Vandalism
Studio Faces Backlash Over Comedy Content
Mumbai’s Habitat Studio shutdown: The leading venue for stand-up comedy—has decided to close temporarily. It was in the aftermath of an attack from members of Shiv Sena following some of Kunal Kamra’s jokes in his set. He referenced Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the set. The studio posted on Instagram to share they were going to be closed temporarily. It is to give the team a moment to figure out how to balance free speech and their own safety.
Recent News Updates on the Controversy
Latest news details relating to the case announced on the studio noted that the creators are fully responsible for their own content. Also that they do not agree or endorse someone’s view. However, the threats and harassment targeted at this venue and the creator haven’t set off a pause to rethink what it means to be a performance space for any political aspect. The issue stemmed from Kamra’s use of the parody version of the Bholi Si Surat song, which made fun of Eknath Shinde. In the aftermath, several FIRs were filed against Kamra. One of which was from Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
Shiv Sena and Political Reaction to the Incident
Members of Shiv Sena went into the studio and destroyed equipment such as cameras, lighting, and speakers. The vandalism provoked a political backlash. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray condemned the attack and questioned the state of law and order in the state. Conversely, Sena leader Milind Deora supported Shinde and posed the question. “What’s so bad about being a self-made leader?” at people with working-class pride. Even as the controversy unfolds, the incident represents a tangible illustration of the threats between political parties and a continued assault on freedom of expression in the entertainment industry in India.
