“Sari wali didi”: Comedian Kunal Kamra Faces FIR Over Parody Song on Nirmala Sitharaman and Eknath Shinde
Mumbai, 26th March 2025: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has once again stirred controversy with his latest parody video targeting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. In a video posted on Wednesday, Kamra sang a satirical song, referring to Sitharaman as “Sari wali didi,” alleging that she is looting people’s salaries.
This marks Kamra’s third such video in the last five days. Earlier, on March 22, he took a dig at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up performance. In a parody of a song from Dil To Pagal Hai, he referred to Shinde as a traitor. The video sparked outrage among Shinde’s supporters, who vandalized the Unicontinental Hotel, where Kamra’s show was recorded.
Following the incident, an FIR was registered against Kamra, and Mumbai Police issued a summon for questioning. However, Kamra did not appear, prompting the police to send a second summon today. His lawyer had requested a seven-day extension, which was denied by the police.
On March 25, Kamra released another parody video, tweaking the lyrics of “Hum Honge Kamyaab” to “Hum Honge Kangal Ek Din”, seemingly taking a jab at the government’s economic policies.
Shinde Reacts, Calls Kamra’s Actions Politically Motivated
In response to Kamra’s parody, Eknath Shinde said on Tuesday, “It is not wrong to make fun or use satire, but there should be a limit. What Kamra did seems like it was done after taking a bribe. One must maintain decorum while using sarcasm, or else there will be consequences.”
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers alleged that Kamra’s parody insulted Shinde by referring to his past as an auto-rickshaw driver and calling him a turncoat and traitor. The video also made references to his political rebellion and journey to Guwahati with MLAs before forming the Mahayuti government.
FIR and Further Investigation
On March 24, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam announced in the Assembly that an FIR had been registered against Kamra. He also stated that Kamra’s call records, CDR (Call Detail Record), and bank statements would be examined to determine if anyone was backing his satire.
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took action against the Unicontinental Hotel, where Kamra’s show was recorded. Following the vandalism incident, an FIR was also registered against 40 Shiv Sena workers involved in the attack.
The controversy has once again ignited debates on freedom of speech versus political sensitivities, with supporters and critics weighing in on Kamra’s satirical take on political figures.
