Bhajan Singer Responds to Comedian Kunal Kamra with Parody

Popular bhajan singer Kanhaiya Mittal has hit back at stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra with a parody video mocking the comedian's recent controversy with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

In a 44-second video, Mittal mimicked Kamra's style while delivering pointed criticism: "When Kangana's house was demolished, you laughed then. Now you're facing the consequences, Kunal Kamra. The rickshaw driver brought a bulldozer from the police station. Respect others to get respect - understand this much, Kunal Kamra." 

The Ongoing Controversy

Kamra landed in controversy after performing a parody song targeting Eknath Shinde during a show at Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai's Khar area. The performance, which referred to Shinde as a "traitor," led to vandalism at the venue by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) supporters on March 23.

The comedian's parody was based on a song from the film "Dil To Pagal Hai" and made references to the political split in both Shiv Sena and NCP. It specifically mentioned Shinde's background as an auto-rickshaw driver from Thane and his rebellion against the original Shiv Sena leadership. 

Official Response and Investigation

Following the incident, an FIR was filed against Kamra on March 24. Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, stated in the assembly that the comedian's phone records, call detail records (CDR), and bank statements would be investigated to determine who might be behind the controversial performance. 

Deputy CM Shinde commented on the issue, saying, "Making jokes or satire about someone is not wrong, but there should be some dignity maintained. It seems Kamra has been paid to do this. When making satire, one should maintain decorum, otherwise actions have reactions."

Police have issued two summons to Kamra, asking him to appear for questioning on March 31. Meanwhile, approximately 40 Shiv Sena workers have been named in the FIR related to the vandalism at the hotel. 

Who is Kanhaiya Mittal?

Mittal, who responded to Kamra with his own parody, is a Chandigarh-based bhajan singer who rose to fame with his song "Jo Ram Ko Laye Hain, Hum Unko Layenge" during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Coming from humble beginnings where his father sold snacks on a bicycle in Panchkula and surrounding areas, Mittal began singing bhajans at age seven. He performed for free for 15 years before turning professional after 2015. 

Despite initially aspiring to become an IPS officer after scoring well in his 10th-grade exams, Mittal chose to pursue bhajan singing as a career when his religious songs gained popularity.

The exchange between the bhajan singer and comedian highlights the growing tensions between different ideological camps in India's entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to political commentary and satire.