Comedian Kunal Kamra has responded to claims that BookMyShow has delisted him from its platform following a letter of appreciation sent by Rahool Kanal, a functionary of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, to the ticketing platform’s CEO Ashish Hemrajani.

The Sena leader thanked BookMyShow for “keeping such artists out of the list of pure entertainment,” referring to Kamra, whose recent performance allegedly included remarks alluding to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Taking to social media platform X, Kamra addressed the reports and directly sought clarification from BookMyShow. “If not, it’s fine. I understand,” he wrote, asking whether he could continue listing his shows on the platform.

BookMyShow, when contacted for a statement, said it had “no comments to offer as of now.”

In a letter addressed to the BookMyShow CEO, Rahool Kanal expressed his “sincere gratitude” to the company for allegedly removing Kamra’s name from its artist listings and even from search history. “Your belief in maintaining peace and respecting our emotions has been instrumental,” he wrote, further commending the company’s customer experience and vision.

“Mumbaikars love and believe in every form of art but not personal agendas,” Kanal added in the letter.

Kunal Kamra gaddar controversy

The development comes in the backdrop of a recent controversy where Kamra, during a show in Mumbai, allegedly made comments interpreted as a jibe at Eknath Shinde, referring to “traitors.” The performance led to a protest by Shiv Sena workers and vandalism at the venue, for which Kanal and others were reportedly booked.

According to police sources, three notices have been sent to Kamra by Mumbai Police, seeking his personal appearance. He is reportedly in Puducherry and has not responded to any of the notices so far.

Manoj Kumar, affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his iconic roles as patriotic figures in films like “Upkar” and “Kranti,” was laid to rest with full state honours and a three-gun salute at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai, on Saturday, April 5.

The veteran actor-director passed away on Friday at the age of 87 due to age-related health issues at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He is survived by his wife Shashi and their two sons.

The funeral commenced around 11:30 AM, attended by notable figures from the Indian film industry, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan and esteemed screenwriter Salim Khan. Kumar’s sons, Vishal and Kunal, performed the last rites, lighting the funeral pyre in a poignant farewell to their father.

Among the dignitaries present were Raj Babbar, Abhishek Bachchan, Jimmy Sheirgill, Arbaaz Khan, Subhash Ghai, Anu Malik, Zayed Khan, Prem Chopra, Rajpal Yadav, Ranjeet, and Sunil Darshan, all gathering to pay their respects.

Following the cremation, Amitabh Bachchan, joined by his son Abhishek, and Salim Khan with his son Arbaaz, extended their condolences to Kumar’s grieving family. Prem Chopra, who starred alongside the late actor in numerous films, reflected on their long friendship, stating, “We have been together since the beginning. It has been a wonderful journey. Everyone who worked with him gained from the experience. His legacy lives on, especially when ‘Shaheed’ airs on television — I still receive calls about my performance in that film.”

Raj Babbar, a veteran actor and politician, reminisced about the time he sought Kumar’s blessings before embarking on his 1999 film “Shaheed Udham Singh.” He highlighted Kumar’s significant impact on Indian cinema, saying, “The film industry has lost a true gem. He brought dignity to India and its culture, portraying the pride of our nation both at home and abroad. A noble soul, he will always hold a special place in the hearts of the public.”

At Kumar’s Juhu residence, a large portrait from his youth was displayed at the entrance, allowing friends and admirers to pay their final tributes. The ambulance transporting Kumar’s body, adorned with a floral tribute in the colors of the Indian flag, left for the crematorium at 10:30 AM, symbolizing his lifelong commitment to themes of nationalism in his films.

In the wake of his passing, numerous veterans from the film industry, including Dharmendra and Madhur Bhandarkar, visited Kumar’s home to offer their condolences.

Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad, which is now in Pakistan, Kumar’s family relocated to Delhi following India’s partition in 1947. After graduating from Hindu College at Delhi University, he moved to Mumbai to pursue a successful acting career, leaving behind a rich filmography that included, besides “Shaheed” and “Upkar,” titles like “Roti, Kapda aur Makaan,” “Himalaya Ki God Mein,” and “Do Badan.”

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has become the third opposition party to challenge the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Supreme Court, following similar moves by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. The controversial legislation, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, has triggered sharp backlash from Opposition leaders and civil society, with critics alleging that the bill undermines the constitutional rights of Muslims.

AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan filed a petition in the Supreme Court questioning the constitutional validity of the bill. In his plea, AAP Okhla MLA stated that the bill curtails religious and cultural autonomy and allows arbitrary executive interference in the affairs of Muslim religious and charitable institutions.

“The amendment violates multiple fundamental rights including the right to equality, right to manage religious affairs, and minority rights,” Amanatullah Khan argued.

The AAP leader’s legal challenge comes as the bill awaits the President’s assent after passing through both Houses of Parliament—288 to 232 in the Lok Sabha and 128 to 95 in the Rajya Sabha.

Opposition unites against controversial provisions

Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, who was part of the joint parliamentary committee that examined the bill, earlier challenged the law on grounds of discrimination. He claimed that the new provisions impose restrictions on Waqf institutions that are not applicable to other religious endowment boards such as those governing Hindu or Jain establishments.

Asaduddin Owaisi also raised constitutional objections, particularly over a provision allowing non-Muslim members to be appointed to Waqf boards and state councils—something not mirrored in other religious boards. Calling it a grave violation, Owaisi accused the government of using its majority to wage a legislative war against Muslims.

“You are not reforming; you are destroying. This is a war on Muslims through law,” Owaisi said.

In defence of the bill, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad stated that the legislation aims to enhance transparency and hold Waqf boards accountable. He denied claims that the law would infringe on Waqf properties, saying that mosques and graveyards would remain untouched.

Despite government assurances, the bill’s passage has sparked widespread demonstrations in cities like Kolkata, Chennai and Ahmedabad, particularly following Friday prayers, reflecting deep-rooted concerns among the community.