Comedy clubs in India reassess safety measures after Kunal Kamra incident

The recent controversy involving comedian Kunal Kamra has sparked concerns among comedy venue owners across India, with many reconsidering how to safeguard their businesses against political backlash.

The stand-up comedy scene in India experienced significant growth post-pandemic, with venues flourishing in cities hungry for fresh content. However, high-profile incidents involving comedians such as Kunal Kamra, Samay Raina, and Ranveer Allahbadia have made venue owners cautious about hosting shows that may attract unwanted attention.

Kamra’s recent performance at Mumbai’s Habitat comedy club, where he made jokes about Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, prompted a violent response from the politician’s supporters, who vandalised the venue. This incident has led many club owners to question whether they can continue operating normally or need to adopt protective measures against legal and physical threats.

The backlash against comedians is not a new phenomenon. Many recall the uproar surrounding the AIB Roast in 2015, which faced severe criticism for its controversial content. A comedian who participated in the event noted that the issues affecting comedy spaces today are reminiscent of those from a decade ago.

“Freedom of expression is shrinking everywhere. The very nature of stand-up comedy, which often challenges authority, makes it a prime target for politicians who feel threatened by its influence,” the comedian explained.

According to him, large audiences drawn by popular comedians can be intimidating to those in power, especially when jokes hit close to home.

Animesh Katiyar, founder of Fur Ball Story, is in the process of rebuilding his comedy setup with stand-up acts as a central feature. However, he remains concerned about potential conflicts with political groups and the legal ramifications that may follow.

The current climate has prompted many comedians to alter their content to avoid backlash. Political satire and commentary on sensitive topics are increasingly being left out of acts as performers strive to remain commercially viable.

A comedian who had previously faced lawsuits for participating in the AIB Roast noted that many performers are now choosing to avoid topics that may attract controversy. “People don’t want to draw attention to themselves. They want to stay marketable and avoid ire. It’s become more lucrative to play it safe,” he said.

The fear is that venues will start demanding scripts in advance, a practice already implemented by some large auditoriums and legacy halls. Katiyar acknowledges that while it is feasible to request scripts for recorded shows, it is impractical for smaller, impromptu performances, which are integral to the stand-up comedy industry.

Katiyar also expressed concern over the lack of unity within the comedy community. According to him, venue owners and comedians must come together to create industry-wide guidelines that can help protect their interests.

“Venues need to collaborate rather than compete. If something happens at one venue, others will inevitably be affected. Without unity, we’re all vulnerable,” he said.

International comedians like Sashi Perera, who has roots in Sri Lanka but performs primarily in Australia, have expressed concern over the increasingly hostile environment for comedians in India. Perera noted that while comedians in Australia freely mock politicians without fear of legal consequences, performing in countries like India or Sri Lanka often requires avoiding sensitive subjects like politics or religion.

“There are obstacles to performing in countries like India and Sri Lanka. But comedy is a cathartic part of human experience, especially when it comes to commenting on politics and religion,” Perera remarked.