MANDI: Kangana Ranaut, Bollywood actress and a BJP MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has strongly criticised comedian Kunal Kamra for his satirical remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
During a show in Mumbai’s Khar recently, Kunal Kamra performed a parody song referring to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) over his 2022 political realignment.
The performance soon went viral on social media, leading to significant backlash, including the ransacking of the hotel where Kunal Kamra had performed allegedly by supporters of Shinde’s party.
Mandi MP defends Eknath Shinde
Speaking outside Parliament, Kangana Ranaut defended Shinde, emphasising his journey from humble beginnings as a rickshaw driver to becoming Maharashtra’s Deputy CM.
She questioned whether mocking such an individual was appropriate and stressed that no one, regardless of their influence, has the legal right to ridicule others, particularly when associated with a specific profession.
“When you mock someone, it’s not just about the person — it’s about their name, their work and their entire journey. No one can tolerate that,” she said.
Says comedians willing to do anything for fame
Kangana Ranaut further asserted that those who have not achieved anything themselves should think twice before mocking those who have.
The Mandi MP also took a strong stance against comedians and influencers who, according to her, were are willing to do anything for a few minutes of fame without considering the consequences.
“These so-called comedians and influencers do not think about the impact of their words. For them, everything is about instant popularity, without any regard for ethics or responsibility,” she said.
Old rivalry between ‘Queen’ actress, comedian
She also supported Maharashtra CM Shinde’s recent statement urging people to exercise restraint in their speech, warning that failure to do so could lead to legal consequences.
“We must regulate our speech and be aware of the legal repercussions of our words. If we don’t, we should be ready to face the consequences,” she added.
This is not the first time Kunal Kamra and Kangana Ranaut have been at odds. Over the years, Kamra has taken multiple jabs at the actress:
• In September 2024, amid controversies surrounding Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’, Kamra commented, “Kangana is the first actress to become a movie genre. You can make a psychological thriller, but Kangana is a psychological thriller. Congratulations, queen.”
• In September 2022, after Ranaut questioned the box office figures of Brahmastra, Kamra quipped, “Kangana thinks like ED, NIA, CBI—Dharma Productions is also under central government.”
• In December 2020, during Ranaut’s public spat with singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh over the farmers’ protests, Kunal Kamra mocked her statements on social media.
Ranaut has consistently hit back at Kunal Kamra’s remarks, questioning his credibility and calling out what she sees as the misuse of comedy.
“If Kamra is truly interested in comedy, he should focus on writing literature, film dialogues or screenplays. Comedy does not mean abusing people or spreading falsehoods about religious scriptures,” she said.
Munish Sood