FIR against Kunal Kamra over 'Gaddar' row, Is India ready for political comedy?
"Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious." – Peter Ustinov
Kunal Kamra was asked to apologize for his comedy set at the Khar Habitat Studio, but he refused, stating that everything he did was under the aegis of the Right to Freedom of Speech.
Shiv Sena party workers had vandalized the studio in Khar where the show was held earlier. Additionally, the MIDC police station in Mumbai filed an FIR against Kunal Kamra, stating that he had delivered an objectionable joke. A police complaint was also lodged against the Shiv Sena activists who destroyed the studio.
During his political set at Habitat, Kamra joked about how Shiv Sena first broke away from the BJP, and later, Shiv Seva emerged from Shiv Sena. Later in the set, he used a popular song from Dil Toh Pagal Hai to mock an individual, cleverly avoiding taking any names. However, he did mention Thane’s rickshaws. Further describing the individual, he said he had a beard and spectacles. Adding to this, he joked that this person is more often found on the lap of Devendra Fadnavis than in the state assembly.
Activists destroying the Habitat venue
Courtesy: The Tribune
This indirect jibe at the Deputy CM of Maharashtra hurt the sentiments of party workers. In response, they vandalized the studio and even demanded that Kamra apologize, threatening him in the process. Moreover, an FIR was lodged against Kamra.
Is India Ready for Political Comedy?
The straight forward answer would be yes, but it's not that simple. Let's talk about it.
Did you know the first cartoon in an Indian newspaper was published in 1906?
Subramania Bharati is often credited with creating the first cartoons in South India, specifically for the Chennai-based daily India, established in 1906. Later, K. Shankar Pillai (popularly known as Shankar) published cartoons in The Hindustan Times in the 1930s. Shankar is considered the father of political cartooning in India. However, The Times of India is known to have published satirical illustrations even earlier, during the British colonial period.
Political cartoons gained prominence in the early 20th century, especially during the freedom movement, with newspapers like Harijan (founded by Mahatma Gandhi) using cartoons as a form of resistance. Shankar later launched Shankar's Weekly in 1948, which became a leading platform for Indian cartoonists.
A political cartoon from Shankar’s Weekly
Courtesy: Animation Weekly
If you are wondering what political cartoons are, they are illustrated commentaries that use satire, humor, and symbolism to criticize or highlight political events, leaders, or societal issues. They often appear in newspapers, magazines, and online media, using exaggeration and irony to convey a message.
Pollitoons on Television
India’s first Pollitoon (a blend of political cartoons and animation) was launched by CNN-IBN (now CNN-News18) in 2008. The segment featured animated caricatures of political leaders, using satire to comment on current affairs.
So Sorry – Intro Logo
Courtesy: Aaj Tak YouTube
You must have seen a video of Aaj Tak’s "So Sorry", the most widely recognized and successful Pollitoon in the digital era. Other popular ones include NDTV’s "Gustakhi Maaf" and "Double Take" by CNN-News18.
Political Comedy Has Always Existed
People have been enjoying political cartoons and videos for decades because they offer a unique blend of humor and criticism. These satirical pieces simplify complex political issues, making them more relatable and engaging for the public.
Why the Backlash?
In India, political cartoons and satire videos often face backlash because many people view their leaders not just as public officials but as icons of respect, devotion, or even divinity. Unlike in some Western democracies, where political satire is widely accepted as a form of critique, in India, mocking a leader especially a popular one can trigger strong emotional, social, and even legal consequences.
Many Indian political figures command immense loyalty, sometimes bordering on personality cults. Leaders like Narendra Modi, Indira Gandhi, and Arvind Kejriwal have dedicated supporters who view any criticism as a personal attack on their ideology or identity. This deep allegiance often results in online trolling, social media outrage, and even FIRs or legal action against satirists. Some cartoonists and comedians have faced harassment, threats, or boycotts for portraying leaders in an unflattering light.
PM Modi turns 74
Courtesy: Outlook Business
Politics in India is also closely tied to regional, religious, and caste identities. Many people see political figures as representatives of their own community or beliefs. This emotional connection makes satire feel more like a direct insult than a simple critique. A joke about a leader can quickly escalate into a larger controversy, with supporters taking offense not just on behalf of the individual leader but for their entire group.
Despite these challenges, political satire remains a crucial tool for holding power accountable. Many Indians still appreciate humor that critiques governance, corruption, and hypocrisy. However, the growing sensitivity toward political leaders has made it increasingly difficult for satire to thrive without controversy. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi once said, "Criticism is the soul of democracy."
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