Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 7: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has made a public appeal to BookMyShow, requesting that the platform either refrain from delisting his shows or provide him with the contact information of audiences who booked tickets for his solo performances from 2017 to 2025. Kamra argues that this is essential for maintaining his dignity and livelihood as an independent artist.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kamra wrote, “Dear @bookmyshow, I still don’t know if I have your platform or not. I’m not a fan of boycotts or downrating a private business. BookMyShow is within its right to do what’s best for its business.” He then shared a detailed letter outlining his concerns and requests.
In the letter, Kamra acknowledged the platform’s commercial prerogatives and its dependence on state cooperation for large events. However, he stressed that the exclusive listing rights BookMyShow holds significantly restrict his ability to directly engage with his audience. “You take 10% of our ticket revenue, and we still spend ₹6,000–₹10,000 per day on ads to reach our own fans,” Kamra noted.
Kamra also questioned BookMyShow’s stance on data protection, arguing that he should be allowed access to the contact information of ticket buyers for his solo shows, especially if delisting proceeds. “As solo performers, we are the show and the production. If you choose to delist me, the least I deserve is access to the audience I’ve built,” he said.
The appeal follows a formal complaint by Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool N Kanal, who wrote to BookMyShow on April 2 urging the platform to stop selling tickets for Kamra’s shows, citing alleged offensive behavior and provocative satire. Kanal accused Kamra of targeting key public figures and claimed his jokes risk public disorder.
The controversy centers around a parody of the song ‘Bholi Si Surat’ performed during Kamra’s show at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio. The parody allegedly mocked Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, sparking outrage, vandalism at the venue by Yuva Sena members, and multiple FIRs filed against the comedian.
In response, Kamra stood firm. “Neither the venue nor any political party has control over what I say on stage. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is like overturning a tomato truck because you didn’t like your butter chicken,” he stated.
Kamra emphasized that freedom of expression, even when used to mock those in power, is a fundamental right. “The inability to take a joke doesn’t nullify my right to make one,” he added.
Amid the escalating backlash, the Madras High Court extended Kamra’s interim protection from arrest till April 17, in response to his petition seeking transit anticipatory bail due to multiple threats.
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court is set to hear Kamra’s petition to quash an FIR lodged by Mumbai Police, arguing that his performance was protected under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. The matter will be heard by a division bench comprising Justice SV Kotwal and Justice SM Modak.