'Won't apologise': Kunal Kamra defiant on remarks against Eknath Shinde, cites artistic freedom

MUMBAI: Comedian Kunal Kamra appeared before the Maharashtra Legislative Council's privileges committee over his comments against DCM Eknath Shinde on Thursday, and refused to tender an unconditional apology, saying it "would not be sincere" and would set a terrible precedent for other artistes and their freedom.

MLC Prasad Lad, chairman of the council's privilege committee, said Kamra was cross-questioned along with BJP MLC Pravin Darekar, who moved the privilege motion against the comedian. Lad said Kamra was cross-examined and asked 24 questions and was told that if he tendered an unconditional apology, the privileges committee might look at his case differently. However, Kamra said he refused to tender an unconditional apology.

"Maybe, there was a communication issue, but the way I remember the last 3 questions of my cross-examination this evening: Do you feel remorse? No. Are you sorry about what you said? No. If you tender an unconditional apology, this matter will be looked at differently. No ,I can't as the apology would not be sincere. Also, it would set a terrible precedent for other artists & their freedom," Kamra said in a post on X reacting to Lad's statement.

Lad said, "Thursday was Kunal Kamra's third or fourth hearing. We had to record his testimony. Thursday was the time to cross-question him. Kunal Kamra and Pravin Darekar were cross-questioned. Kunal Kamra was asked 24 questions. In which he tried to explain his mistakes."

Legislature officials said Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Sushma Andhare will be cross questioned next as she could not appear before the privileges committee due to bad health. The privilege motion was moved in March 2025 by Darekar. During his stand-up comedy show, Kamra performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the film 'Dil To Pagal Hai', referring to Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor).


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