Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s Bengaluru shows have been shifted from Whitefield to a venue in Koramangala after Hindutva organisations objected to his performances, alleging that he mocked Hindu deities and hurt religious sentiments. The shows were originally scheduled to be held at URU in Whitefield from August 3 to 6. Ticket holders have been offered the option of a refund or rebooking following the venue change.No shows in Whitefield after Hindutva outfits seek cancellationThe Hindu Janajagruti Samiti Karnataka and Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti submitted memorandums to the Bengaluru police seeking cancellation of the performances. They alleged that Kunal had repeatedly insulted Hindu beliefs and argued that allowing the shows could disrupt communal harmony and law and order. After the venue was shifted, members of the organisations also approached the Koramangala police, urging them to stop the performances at the new venue.Kunal throws open debateResponding on X, Kunal defended his act and invited members of the two organisations to “debate on comedy and culture” at the Whitefield police station. He later posted a photograph from outside the police station, claiming that none of the protesters had turned up for the discussion.No issue with the show’s content: Police in KoramangalaThe Whitefield police confirmed that the original venue had cancelled the event. Koramangala police, however, said they found “no issue with the content of the show” and clarified that no police permission was required for the performances, although organisers had informed them in advance.Shows set to continue under tight security: Kunal’s August 3 to 6 performances are now scheduled to take place at The Underground Comedy Club in Koramangala. One show over the weekend was held amid heavy police deployment and heightened security. While Hindutva organisations have continued to seek cancellation of the performances at the new venue, no official order has been issued to stop the shows.
