Filmmaker Hansal Mehta and actor-politician Kangana Ranaut found themselves at odds on social media after a debate sparked by comedian Kunal Kamra‘s recent controversy. The dispute began when Mehta voiced his support for Kamra, whose Mumbai studio was demolished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) following his jokes about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This led to comparisons with Kangana’s own experience in 2020 when parts of her Mumbai property were demolished.
Hansal Mehta Defends Kunal Kamra, Sparks Reaction from Kangana
Mehta took to social media to condemn the attack on Kamra’s freedom of speech, after his studio was vandalized and later demolished. However, a user questioned why Mehta hadn’t spoken up during Kangana’s similar ordeal in 2020 when her Bandra home was partially demolished by the BMC. Mehta responded by asking whether Kangana’s house was demolished as an attack on her free speech or due to alleged violations of construction rules.
Kangana Ranaut Hits Back with Strong Words
Kangana responded fiercely, recalling the trauma she faced when her home was demolished, claiming it was illegal and followed a series of threats and abuse. She shared Mehta’s tweet with harsh criticism, calling him “bitter and stupid” for his ignorance on the matter. She detailed how her property was bulldozed in the middle of the night despite the High Court declaring the action illegal, and accused Mehta of being blinded by insecurity.
Kangana and Kamra’s Clash Over Eknath Shinde
On March 25, Kangana also criticized Kamra over his remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. She said that while her ordeal was illegal, Kamra’s situation was different as it was a legal action. She slammed Kamra for insulting others in the name of comedy, and raised concerns about the state of society, questioning the “credentials” of people who use humor to defame others.
Fadnavis Joins the Debate
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also joined the controversy, condemning Kamra’s comments against Shinde. He emphasized that while stand-up comedy is allowed, it should not cross the line into making defamatory statements. Fadnavis called for an apology from Kamra, and linked the comedian’s actions to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, criticizing both for their apparent disregard of the Constitution’s limits on free speech.
As the debate over freedom of expression and political satire continues, it remains clear that both Kangana and Kamra are at the heart of a much larger conversation about humor, respect, and the boundaries of free speech in India.
