Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is embroiled in controversy following a parody targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In his latest show, “Naya Bharat,” Kamra took aim at several prominent figures, including author and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty and her husband, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy. During his 45-minute performance, Kamra poked fun at Sudha Murty’s “simple” lifestyle and Narayana Murthy’s comments about working 70-hour weeks.
Kamra discussed the different types of wealthy individuals in India, including those who “become rich but pretend to belong to a middle class.” He singled out Sudha Murty, claiming she is one of those people, pointing out her self-professed simplicity. “Among the rich who pretend to be middle class, there is a great lady named Sudha Murty. She is the epitome of simplicity. That is her claim—she is simple. She has written 50 books on her simplicity. At any airport, you’ll find a book section dedicated to Ms. Murty, and every book’s theme is about how simple she is,” Kamra said.
To make his point, the comedian shared a fictional story mocking Sudha Murty. “Once, I (Sudha Murty) went to a mango seller, and he gave me eight mangoes for Rs 100. Then, one lady came in corporate attire, and the mango seller gave her eight mangoes for Rs 150. I asked, ‘Why did you give me cheaper mangoes?’ He replied, ‘The lady has a modern corporate job in this international company called Infosys,'” Kamra mimicked.
Kamra also made a humorous reference to Narayana Murthy’s much-debated suggestion that employees should work 70 hours a week. “Now you understand why Narayana Murthy wants to work 70 hours a week? Sudha Murty would fry his brain with ‘main simple hu’ (I am simple). Narayana Murthy says, ‘main ghar ke bahar hu’ (I am out of the house).”
Continuing to lampoon Sudha Murty, Kamra remarked, “For two years, she was the mother-in-law of the entire UK. How is this simplicity? She’s going to Rajya Sabha, simply.”
Kamra’s show, which took place at The Habitat in Mumbai’s Khar, sparked a major political backlash due to his jabs at Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde. On Sunday, Sena supporters vandalized the venue and issued threats to the 36-year-old comedian.
As a result, Kamra faces multiple charges, including defamation and causing public mischief. Mumbai Police have also registered a case against some Sena supporters for the vandalism. The comedian has now approached the court seeking protection against arrest.
