Kunal Kamra Challenges T-Series: A Satirical Showdown

Comedian Kunal Kamra faces off against Bollywood studio T-Series over copyright strikes on his satirical video, 'Naya Bharat.' Kamra's parody critiquing political figures drew attention, sparking a debate about fair use and creative freedom. The video has garnered millions of views amid legal disputes.

On Wednesday, comedian Kunal Kamra criticized Bollywood giant T-Series, accusing them of unjustly flagging his stand-up special, 'Naya Bharat,' for copyright violations on YouTube. The special controversially parodied political figures, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and was removed from the platform due to an alleged copyright breach.

Kamra's content, which included a parody of the 'Hawa Hawai' song from the film 'Mr India,' aimed at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was blocked by T-Series, who owns the rights to the original track. Kamra insists his work falls under fair use, criticizing the studio's actions as harmful to creative freedom.

The controversy extends beyond digital platforms, with acts of vandalism reported at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra performed. Despite the tensions, Kamra remains defiant, continuing to receive support and contributions from his audience through YouTube's Super Thanks feature.

(With inputs from agencies.)