Two days after BookMyShow delisted comedian Kunal Kamra and scrubbed all content related to him from its platform amid ongoing backlash over his jokes targeting Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Kamra has publicly appealed to the platform to either reconsider its decision or provide him with crucial access to his audience data to help him sustain his career.
In a statement shared on social media, Kamra said,
“What I'm requesting is simple: please ensure that you hand over the contact information of the audiences you've collected from my solo shows so that I can continue living my life with dignity and work towards a fair livelihood.”
He added that since he had performed numerous solo shows using BookMyShow as the ticketing partner, it was only fair that the data generated from those audiences—especially their contact information—be handed over to him in the event of delisting.
“The least I deserve, should you choose to delist me, is access to them,” he said. “With that in mind, I request one of the following: do not delist me, or provide me with the data I've generated through your platform from my audience.”
BookMyShow has not issued a public response so far, but the decision to remove Kamra from its listings has sparked a widespread reaction across social media. While some users supported the move, citing the need to maintain public sentiment and political sensitivities, a large section of Kamra’s fanbase and free speech advocates have criticized the move as a form of censorship.
A hashtag-led campaign has emerged online, with users calling for the boycott and uninstallation of the BookMyShow app in protest. However, Kamra distanced himself from such actions and clarified his stance on the matter.
“To the audiences, I’m not a fan of boycotts or downrating a private business,” he said. “BookMyShow is well within their right to do what’s best for their business.”
Meanwhile, legal troubles for Kamra continue. The Madras High Court on Monday extended the interim anticipatory bail granted to him till April 17, providing temporary protection as he faces multiple police cases linked to remarks made during a recent performance. Mumbai Police has already issued three summonses to the comedian, demanding his appearance for questioning.
Kamra’s situation has once again brought into focus the tension between artistic freedom and political backlash in India’s entertainment ecosystem. His request to retain access to audience data is being seen by many as a plea not just for logistical fairness but for the basic tools required by any performer to remain self-reliant in a challenging space.
