'Facts are misrepresented...' BookMyShow responds to delisting claims, Kunal Kamra hits back again

Mumbai: Online ticketing platform BookMyShow on Monday issued a statement clarifying its role in facilitating ticket sales after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra accused the platform of delisting his shows and demanded access to contact details of his audience members.

In a post on Instagram, BookMyShow stated, "BookMyShow is a platform to facilitate the sale of tickets and operates the business with neutrality and in compliance with the applicable laws of India. Facts on our role have been misrepresented in the public domain. Our role is to provide a platform for ticket sales of live shows and it is the decision of the organiser or the venue to list or delist their shows."

The company further clarified that the nature of content at live shows is entirely the responsibility of the performer or organiser. "The content of each performance is solely at the discretion of the performer or the organiser (as the case may be) and does not bear any representation of our views," it said.

BookMyShow also mentioned that it works with all venues and promoters under mutually agreed terms and added, "We do not restrict any artist from selling their show on their own website, should they choose to do so."

The statement concluded, "Our platform is about bringing people together through shared experiences, regardless of their beliefs. We remain committed to delivering the best possible service and experience for everybody."

Kunal Kamra responds

Kunal Kamra reacted to the statement on his social media accounts.

Earlier, he had posted an open letter on X, formerly Twitter, addressed to BookMyShow. In the letter, Kamra urged the platform to either keep him listed as an artist or provide the audience contact details he had "generated through your platform from my audience" since 2017.

Kamra’s shows have drawn political criticism, most notably from Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool N Kanal. Kanal had written a letter to BookMyShow on 2 April, asking the platform to stop selling tickets to Kamra’s performances, citing concerns over the comedian’s controversial material and its influence on public sentiment.

In a separate legal matter, the Madras High Court on Monday extended interim protection from arrest for Kamra until 17 April.

The controversy

The row began after Kamra sang a parody version of 'Bholi Si Surat', a song from the film Dil To Pagal Hai, during a performance. The parody allegedly targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which resulted in several FIRs being filed against the comedian. In response, Yuva Sena activists vandalised the Habitat comedy venue, where the act was filmed.

Hearing on FIR scheduled

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court has agreed to hear Kamra’s plea seeking the cancellation of the FIR filed against him by the Mumbai Police. Kamra’s lawyer brought up the matter during Monday’s post-lunch session, and the hearing is set for Tuesday.

Filed on 5 April, Kamra’s petition argues that the FIR violates his constitutional rights under Articles 19 and 21 — the right to freedom of expression and the right to life. A division bench of Justice SV Kotwal and Justice SM Modak will take up the case.

Kamra's legal team maintains that his performance, part of his ongoing show Naya Bharat, is protected under free speech and should not be grounds for criminal action.

ANI Inputs