Gurgram Pub Cancels Shows Of Kunal Kamra After VHP, Bajrang Dal Threaten Protests

Members of the Bajrang Dal and VHP submitted a memorandum to Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav demanding cancellation of Kunal Kamra's show.

After receiving threats of protests from the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a pub in Gurugram has cancelled shows by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra that was scheduled for the next weekend, PTI reported. 

On September 17 and 18, Kamra was supposed to perform at Sector 29's Studio Xo bar. On August 29, the bar published a poster titled "Kunal Kamra Live" on its Instagram page, along with information on the show's times and ticket prices.

Asserting that the event should be cancelled because Kamra "mocks and makes fun of Hindu deities", members of the Bajrang Dal and VHP submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav demanding cancellation of the show.

"Comedian Kunal Kamra makes fun of Hindu gods and goddesses in his show, which is quite wrong. In such a situation, due to the show being held in the city, tension can arise, we request it be cancelled at the earliest or we will protest," read the memorandum.

"There have been many cases registered against Kunal Kamra in the past. If the show is not cancelled, we will protest," PTI quoted Ajit Yadav, district president of the VHP, as saying.

The management of Studio Xo Bar announced they were cancelling Kamra's show to avoid trouble.

"We have got calls from many departments and also members of outfits visited the venue to warn us and finally we have cancelled the show. We have informed ticketing companies like Book My Show and others. The show would not happen," said Gyan, an employee of Studio Xo Bar.

As per an Indian Express report, Sahil Dawra, general manager, Studio Xo Bar, said, "We have decided to cancel the show. I do not want any trouble…Two men from Bajrang Dal…had come and they threatened to disrupt the show. They objected to the show and said that they will not allow the show to happen. I spoke with the owners, police, and the comedian and I don’t want any risk to my company and organisation…so we have decided to cancel it. We have not lodged any complaint with the police."

Kamra said there was no evidence that his show disrupts peace as alleged by the right wing groups.

"He makes fun of our culture we claim, He makes fun of our deities we think, We have no evidence but his show disrupts our peace, 12 of us don't want the show to happen and 500 have got tickets to watch it, So what should the authorities do? (UPSC question 10 marks)," Kamra wrote on Twitter.