Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who has been making headlines since last month thanks to his remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which blew up into a major controversy, has yet again stunned the netizens with his latest post. Kamra on Tuesday (April 1) took another swipe at the government in a social media post alleging a systematic effort to silence dissenting artists.
In his latest post on Instagram, Kamra wrote, “How to kill an Artist ‘democratically’” and outlined what the stand-up comedian claims to be a “playbook” used by the ruling dispensation to suppress free expression.
“How to Kill an Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide,” he wrote, listing several alleged tactics in a numbered manner – “1) Outrage just enough for brands to stop commissioning their work. 2) Outrage more—until private and corporate gigs dry up. 3) Outrage louder—so big venues won’t take the risk. 4) Outrage violently—until even the smallest spaces shut their doors. 5) Summon their audience for questioning—turning art into a crime scene. Now the artist is left with only two choices: Sell their soul and become a dollar puppet—or wither in silence.”
The stand-up comedian also added, “This isn’t just a playbook, it’s a political weapon. A silencing machine.”
It may be noted that the 36-year-old comedian is currently facing huge backlash by the government as well as the opposition after performing a parody song targeting Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde. After Kamra’s performance at Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai, Shiv Sainiks vandalised the club.