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Kunal Kamra trolls BookMyShow: “If you kick me out, at least give me my fans”

Comedian Kunal Kamra, delisted by BookMyShow over political controversy, has written an open letter demanding contact data of his audience. He says artists deserve access to their own viewers.

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Kunal Kamra Bookmyshow controversy

By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

In a move straight out of the stand-up-meets-satire playbook, the stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has penned an open letter to ticketing giant BookMyShow, and it’s equal parts polite request, roast and mic drop.

After being delisted by the platform for poking fun at Maharashtra’s Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in a parody song, Kamra didn’t just walk off stage quietly.

Posted on social media platform X, Kamra’s letter calls out the event ticketing giant for restricting his access to his own audience and asks for their contact data — collected through solo shows he performed between 2017 and 2025.

 “If you’re kicking me out, at least give me the email IDs of the people who came to laugh at my jokes,” Kamra wrote in his twitter post.

Kamra, addressing BookMyShow directly, acknowledged the portal’s need to “maintain a cordial relationship with the state” and operate in Mumbai, a vital entertainment hub. But he firmly stated that the issue isn’t about being delisted — it’s about the exclusive control BookMyShow exercises over artist listings and the audience data they generate.

“You’ve effectively prevented me from accessing the audience I’ve performed for,” Kamra wrote. The stand-up comedian also requested that the platform either refrain from delisting him or hand over the contact information of those who attended his solo performances — noting that this data was critical for sustaining a fair livelihood.

BookMyShow delists Kamra amid controversy

The platform, run by Bigtree Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., removed all of Kamra’s content and dropped him from its artiste list following political backlash over a parody song he performed during a show in Mumbai. The lyrics — set to Bholi Si Surat from Dil To Pagal Hai — mocked Eknath Shinde, calling him a “gaddar” (traitor), a term repeatedly used by Uddhav Thackeray since the 2022 Shiv Sena split.

The backlash led to vandalism of the Habitat studio, a key comedy venue in Mumbai. Civic authorities later demolished parts of the studio citing building violations, but the timing sparked speculation that it was linked to Kamra’s performance. Multiple FIRs have since been filed against the comedian, who has skipped three summons and currently has interim protection from arrest from the Madras High Court.

Kamra hilariously pointed out the irony of BookMyShow charging a 10% commission and locking him out of the very fans he paid Rs 6,000–Rs 10,000 daily to advertise to. It’s like buying your own party tickets and then being told you can’t enter the venue. He added that while data protection is often cited by companies, the broader question is: “Who protects what data, and from whom?”

Kamra emphasized the distinction between collective data from group events like comedy festivals and individual audience lists from his solo shows, which he believes should rightfully belong to the performer.

“BookMyShow should be called BookMySilence”

Sena leader Rahool Kanal, who was arrested in the studio vandalism case, had earlier urged BookMyShow to drop Kamra. After the platform’s action, Kanal publicly thanked them for “keeping such artists out of the list of pure entertainment” and accused Kamra of pushing a “personal agenda.”However, parody songs are more dangerous than, say, smashing private property.

BookMyShow, meanwhile, has maintained a silence so loud it should be on surround sound. No response yet to Kamra’s open letter, or the data request, or… anything.

India News

Rabri Devi removes new security detail after Z-plus cover withdrawal, Tejashwi Yadav follows suit

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav reportedly removed newly assigned security personnel after the state government revised security cover for several political leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav.

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Rabri Devi

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has reportedly removed a newly deployed security team from her residence after the Bihar government revised the security cover provided to several political leaders in the state.

The move came days after a security review resulted in changes to the protection arrangements of several politicians, including RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to reports, Rabri Devi expressed displeasure over the withdrawal of the Z-plus security cover that had previously been provided to her and her husband.

Security cover revised after government review

The Bihar government recently conducted a review of security arrangements for a number of political leaders. Following the assessment, the security category of some leaders was altered based on the recommendations of security agencies.

As part of the exercise, the Z-plus cover earlier available to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi was reportedly withdrawn. Revised security arrangements were subsequently put in place by the administration.

However, reports suggest that Rabri Devi was unhappy with the changes and directed the newly assigned personnel to leave her residence.

Tejashwi Yadav also takes similar step

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is also reported to have objected to the revised security deployment. According to sources, he too asked the newly assigned security personnel to leave.

The development has triggered political discussion in Bihar, with the RJD questioning the rationale behind the changes in security arrangements for members of the Yadav family.

Political reactions expected

The security review comes at a time when Bihar’s political environment remains active ahead of upcoming electoral battles. While the state government has maintained that security decisions are based on assessments by agencies and established protocols, opposition leaders are expected to raise questions over the timing and nature of the changes.

No official indication has emerged suggesting a reversal of the revised security arrangements so far.

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India News

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke joins protest, 6 detained during demonstration

Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Jantar Mantar as the Cockroach Janta Party staged a protest in Delhi, during which six individuals were detained by police.

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Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday as the organisation held a demonstration over examination and recruitment-related concerns. The protest took place under heightened security arrangements, with police detaining six individuals during the course of the gathering.

Supporters assembled at the designated protest venue to raise concerns over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment processes. The demonstration marked a significant public mobilisation by the organisation, which has gained attention in recent months through campaigns focused on issues affecting students and job aspirants.

Six detained amid tight security arrangements

Police maintained a strong presence around Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas ahead of the protest. Security personnel were deployed to monitor the gathering and ensure law and order during the demonstration.

According to reports, six protesters were detained during the event. Authorities closely monitored the situation as participants continued to gather at the venue. Despite the detentions, the protest remained largely peaceful.

Dipke joined supporters at the site and reiterated the group’s demand for greater transparency and accountability in examination and recruitment systems. Protesters also voiced concerns over issues related to educational governance and opportunities for young job seekers.

Protest highlights concerns of students and job aspirants

The demonstration drew participants from different regions who gathered to express concerns over examination-related controversies and recruitment processes. Organisers maintained that the protest was intended to be a peaceful and democratic expression of public grievances.

Addressing supporters, Dipke stressed the importance of continuing the movement through constitutional means and public engagement. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans highlighting their demands for reforms and greater accountability.

The event was held after authorities granted permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, one of the capital’s designated venues for public protests. Security remained in place throughout the programme as officials monitored developments.

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Cricket news

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India call-up hailed as a game changer by BCCI

BCCI has hailed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection in the Indian team as a significant moment for Indian cricket, rewarding the teenager’s outstanding performances in IPL 2026.

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Vaibhav suryavanshi123

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has welcomed the selection of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian team, describing his rapid rise as a major positive development for the future of Indian cricket.

The 15-year-old earned his maiden senior national team call-up after a stunning IPL 2026 campaign that established him as one of the country’s most exciting young talents. His fearless batting and consistent performances throughout the tournament caught the attention of selectors and cricket experts alike.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the youngster’s achievements, noting that exceptional performances are always rewarded. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s progress reflects the strength of India’s cricket development system and the opportunities available to emerging players.

Sooryavanshi’s selection comes after a season in which he produced remarkable numbers with the bat and played a crucial role for his franchise. His ability to handle pressure situations and score at a brisk pace made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.

The teenager’s inclusion in the national squad is being viewed as an important step in India’s efforts to build a strong pool of young talent for the future. Cricket observers believe the experience of being part of the senior setup will aid his development and help him adapt to the demands of international cricket.

His rise has generated significant excitement among fans, many of whom have followed his journey from age-group cricket to the IPL and now to the national team. The selection also underlines the growing trend of young players making a rapid transition to the highest level based on outstanding performances in domestic and franchise cricket.

With expectations high, Sooryavanshi will now look to make the most of the opportunity and continue the form that earned him recognition at the national level.

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