Mumbai: Comedian Kunal Kamra has been served a second summons by the Mumbai Police in connection with a case of alleged derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Despite the legal heat, Kamra doubled down on his satirical approach, this time targeting Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with a parody song.

Kamra posted a satirical take on the popular song Hawa Hawai from the 1987 film Mr. India. The video was originally part of his comedy special recorded at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar about a month ago. On Wednesday, Kamra reposted the video with popcorn emojis — a gesture many interpreted as a dig at the debate over GST rates on movie theatre snacks, which stirred controversy late last year.

In the video, Kamra humorously critiqued issues like pothole-riddled roads, Metro construction disruptions, and collapsing bridges. Shifting his focus to the Finance Minister, he pointed out how corporate employees pay higher taxes than the corporations they work for. Kamra referred to Sitharaman as “sadiwaali didi” and “Nirmala tai”.

Second summons

The 36-year-old comedian has been directed to appear before the investigating officer of the case, which is registered at the Khar police station in suburban Mumbai. The complaint was lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. While the notice has been served, it was not clear when Kamra's appearance has been sought as the official did not provide further details. 

Police issued the first notice to Kamra on Tuesday and sought his presence, citing start of probe into the defamation case against him. After the first notice, sources said the comic had sought one week's time to appear before police. 

The case

The comedian has kicked up a major political storm in Maharashtra by making caustic remarks against Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, in his show recorded at a studio in Mumbai a few days ago. 

Kamra, without taking Shinde's name, targeted the Deputy CM over his political career, including the 2022 rebellion against then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray which brought down the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Kamra had performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the film "Dil Toh Pagal Hai," apparently referring to Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor). 

He also cracked jokes about recent political developments in Maharashtra, including the split in the Shiv Sena (2022) and the NCP (2023). On Sunday night, Shiv Sena members damaged the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra's show took place, as well as the hotel in whose premises the venue is located. 

Based on a complaint of Shiv Sena MLA Patel, the Khar police have registered an FIR against Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Shinde.

The police have also registered a case against 40 workers of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena for vandalising the venue of the comedian's show. 

On Monday, the police arrested Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others for ransacking the show venue. A local court granted them bail the same day.

(with inputs from PTI)