Entertainment

Hansal Mehta Reflects on His Experience During Kunal Kamra Controversy

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2025

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has publicly expressed his support for stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who recently faced considerable backlash over his comments about Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a recent performance. Kamra’s jokes incited anger among Shiv Sena supporters, leading to vandalism at the venue in Mumbai where he was performing.

Mehta, known for acclaimed films such as Shahid, Citylights, and Scam 1992, condemned the attack on The Habitat, recalling a similar situation he experienced 25 years ago.

“They vandalized it and assaulted me”

In an extensive Instagram post, Mehta detailed how members of the (then undivided) Shiv Sena invaded his office over a single line in one of his films.

“They vandalized my office, physically assaulted me, blackened my face, and compelled me to publicly apologize—falling at the feet of an elderly woman—for a harmless line in my movie,” he recounted.

Mehta noted that despite 27 cuts made by the Censor Board, the apology was staged in front of a 10,000-strong crowd, with 20 political leaders orchestrating the event while the Mumbai Police stood idly by.

Reflecting on the turmoil Kamra faced, Mehta remarked, “What happened with Kamra is, tragically, not new to Maharashtra. I lived through it myself. Loyalists of that same political party assaulted me and vandalized my office. It bruised my spirit, stifled my courage, and muted parts of me that took years to restore. Violence, intimidation, and humiliation cannot be justified, regardless of disagreement.”

Kamra maintains his stance

Despite growing protests, Kamra has remained unyielding. He stated on social media that he would not apologize for his actions, asserting that entertainment venues should not bear the blame for a comedian’s jokes.

“An entertainment venue is merely a platform. Faulting it for my routine is as ridiculous as overturning a truck full of tomatoes because the butter chicken wasn’t to your liking,” Kamra argued.

Addressing threats from political leaders, he defended his right to free speech. “Our right to freedom of expression doesn’t exist solely for praising the powerful. The fact that you can’t take a joke about a public figure doesn’t negate my right to express it. As far as I know, mocking politicians or our political circus isn’t illegal.”

Kamra further questioned whether the law would be equally applied to those who vandalized the venue. “I’m willing to cooperate with authorities for any lawful actions against me. But will those who believe vandalism is an acceptable reaction to humor face justice?”

In a pointed jab at the authorities, he added, “Maybe my next performance should be under the Elphinstone Bridge or any other dilapidated structure in Mumbai that’s overdue for demolition.”
Also Read: Leaked audio: Kunal Kamra’s call with Shinde supporter goes viral

Entertainment

Model Arrested After Customs Find Drugs in Luggage

Published

4 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Customs officials arrested former Mrs Kerala beauty pageant contestant Harsha Sunny (28) at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

She was allegedly carrying hydroponic cannabis worth around ₹11.82 crore from Bangkok. Officials stopped her on suspicion and searched her luggage.

During the search, they found 12 packets containing the banned substance. Harsha Sunny was arrested under the NDPS Act and produced before a court.

The court sent her to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway. Harsha Sunny had participated in the Mrs Kerala beauty pageant in 2025.

Entertainment

Akshay Kumar Responds to ‘Flop Actor’ Remark in Welcome to The Jungle

Published

5 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has responded to being called a “flop actor” in the upcoming film Welcome to The Jungle. He said the dialogue should be understood as part of the movie and not taken personally.

Speaking at the trailer launch event in Mumbai, Akshay explained that such dialogues are written to suit the story and the character. He said audiences should view them in the context of the film.

“We are not told to use such dialogues as taunts. When you watch a movie, you should understand it according to the character and the story. Thank you for feeling bad about it, but please do not take it so seriously,” Akshay said.

The trailer of Welcome To The Jungle runs for more than four minutes and features a mix of comedy, action, and adventure. Unlike the earlier films in the franchise, the story is set in a jungle.

Akshay plays a struggling actor who is trying to revive his career after a series of unsuccessful films. His fortunes appear to improve when he gets a new film opposite a successful actress, played by Jacqueline Fernandez.

However, the film shoot turns into a real-life adventure when the crew reaches a village near the border. The villagers mistakenly believe the actors are soldiers and ask them to protect the village from a dangerous gang led by Jackie Shroff.

The misunderstanding leads to several humorous situations, with Akshay’s character repeatedly reminding everyone that he is only an actor and not a real-life hero.

The film is directed by Ahmed Khan and produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala, Rakesh Dang, and Vedant Vikaas Baali. Welcome To The Jungle is scheduled to release in theatres on June 26.

Entertainment

Isha Rikhi Confirms Marriage To Rapper Badshah

Published

24 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Punjabi actress and model Isha Rikhi has finally confirmed that she is married to rapper and singer Badshah.

The confirmation came during an Instagram “Ask Me Anything” session. Responding to a fan’s question, Isha said that she is married and jokingly asked her husband, Badshah, to answer the many questions people have about their relationship.

Another fan asked why she had never shared a photo with Badshah. In response, Isha posted a rare romantic picture of the couple, delighting their fans.

Rumours about their marriage began in March after photos and videos from a private wedding ceremony were shared on social media. The event was attended by close family members and friends.

While Badshah has not yet made an official statement, Isha’s comments have confirmed that the couple is married.