Kunal Kamra dropped after Sena push, says 'I understand'

In the most recent mix of politics and performance, stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has been reportedly removed from BookMyShow’s listing of artists— according to a statement issued by Rahool Kanal, a leader of the Shiv Sena. 

Kanal, who serves as the social media in-charge for the Eknath Shinde-led party, publicly thanked the ticketing platform’s CEO, Ashish Hemrajani, for keeping the portal ‘clean’ and free from artists he believes are pushing ‘personal agendas’.

Rahool’s letter to BookMyShow CEO

In a letter addressed to Hemrajani, Kanal expressed gratitude for the alleged removal of Kamra, stating that his name had even been scrubbed from the platform’s search history. He praised BookMyShow’s ‘respect for public emotion’ and claimed Mumbaikars support all forms of art — but not when it crosses into political provocation.

‘Your personal touch and guidance by your team were invaluable… Your vision and leadership are truly inspiring,’ he wrote in the effusive letter. 

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: ‘If not, it’s fine. I understand,’ while asking BookMyShow to clarify if he could still list his shows on the platform. (Credit: X)

Kamra’s quiet comeback

Kunal Kamra, usually sharp-tongued and unfiltered, responded with a tone of unexpected restraint. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: ‘If not, it’s fine. I understand,’ while asking BookMyShow to clarify if he could still list his shows on the platform. 

Hello @bookmyshow can you please confirm if I have your platform to list my shows if not it’s fine. I understand… https://t.co/JqjJtuWFE3

— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) April 5, 2025

This was after his controversial Mumbai performance in January, when he apparently made a thinly veiled insult at Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, using the term ‘traitor’. Following that performance, Sena supporters expressed their anger, allegedly vandalizing the venue and later prompting police action against Kanal and a few other people. 

Silence from BookMyShow

Despite the attention, BookMyShow has yet to issue a comment or indicate that it has removed the comedian from its listings. 

Kamra, who has been no stranger to controversy, has faced bans from numerous airlines and legal issues as a result of his forthright views in the past.

 For now, the ticketing giant’s silence speaks louder than any mic drop.

As for Kamra, whether this is a momentary pause in his tour calendar or just another setup for a future punchline — only time (and maybe a new venue) will tell.