Everything about The Habitat—studio where Kunal Kamra mocked Eknath Shinde
What's the story
Mumbai's popular comedy hub The Habitat has announced temporary closure following a controversial performance by Kunal Kamra.
During his show at the venue, Kamra made certain allusions against Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, parodying a Hindi song from the 1997 film Dil Toh Pagal Hai to mock Shinde's political shift in 2022.
His act created a storm and resulted in vandalism at the studio by Shiv Sena workers.
Vandalism incident
Shiv Sena workers vandalize The Habitat
After Kamra's show, Shiv Sena workers reportedly vandalized The Habitat studio.
The venue decided to shut down operations due to the vandalism and the need to reassess how to provide a platform for free expression without jeopardizing themselves.
Amid escalating violence, The Habitat announced on Instagram that they are suspending operations till they "figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy."
Official statement
The Habitat distances itself from Kamra's controversial performance
The Habitat studio released an Instagram statement distancing itself from Kamra's performance and the views expressed therein.
"We extend a sincere and heartfelt apology to all those hurt by this video," it read.
The venue also condemned the violence, saying they do not support "hate or harm of any kind."
It called for constructive conversations instead of destruction to resolve disagreements, saying violence and destruction undermine the spirit of art and dialogue.
No apology
Kunal Kamra refuses to apologize for his remarks
On the other hand, Kamra has refused to apologize for his controversial remarks against Shinde. He has told Mumbai Police that he will "adhere to the law" but won't apologize.
Meanwhile, 12 workers of Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, arrested for vandalizing The Habitat have been granted bail by a court today. They had claimed that Kamra's video mocking Shinde was shot at this place.
Venue details
The Habitat: A hub for live performances
The Habitat is a popular venue for stand-up comedy shows, poetry readings, and live music in the Khar area of western Mumbai.
It has hosted Abish Mathew, Biswa Kalyan Rath, Tanmay Bhat, and Rohan Joshi. It also screens short films and hosts chess live sessions.
Owned by Balraj Singh Ghai of Ghai Hotels and Investments Company Pvt Ltd., tickets for shows at The Habitat range from ₹125-₹699.
Specialization
More on Habitat
The Habitat is an intimate venue with approximately 60 to 70 seats, making it a popular destination for artists to perform in front of a packed audience of like-minded individuals.
It has also held screenings of short films and has had Imtiaz Ali in one of their film gatherings.
An all-star comedian event, The Big Show was also held in 2023 with performers like Kanan Gil, Anirban Dasgupta, and Azeem Bantawalla.
Other activities
What else happens in Habitat
Samay Raina also hosts and shoots his chess live sessions in the studio.
Several shows in the lineup of the upcoming events have been canceled due to the studio's sudden shutdown. The affected shows include:
- Stories On Stage (SOS) by Harsh Shah (March 26)
- Almost All Stars - Standup Comedy (March 27 to May 9)
- Not a Crowdwork Comedy Show featuring multiple artists (until May 23)
- Mushaira Night (April 2)
- Storytellers Night (April 9).