The ticketing service, BookMyShow, issued a response following a public appeal from stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who requested that they refrain from ‘delisting’ him and provide accurate information regarding the situation. In their statement, they indicated that ‘facts have been misrepresented,’ clarifying their involvement in the matter.

BookMyShow's Official Statement  

BookMyShow articulated that their primary function is to ‘facilitate the sale of tickets’ and emphasized their commitment to operating as a ‘neutral business in accordance with the relevant laws of India.’ They noted, “The facts regarding our role have been misrepresented in the public sphere. Our responsibility is to offer a platform for ticket sales for live events, while the decision to list or delist shows rests with the organizer or venue.”

Furthermore, the statement asserted that the content of performances is ‘entirely at the discretion of the performer or the organizer’ and does not ‘reflect their opinions.’ They added, “We do not impose any restrictions on artists wishing to sell their shows on their own websites, should they opt to do so,” emphasizing that their platform aims to ‘unite individuals through shared experiences, irrespective of their beliefs.’

Kunal Kamra's appeal to BookMyShow

Kunal expressed his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Dear @bookmyshow, I remain uncertain about my status on your platform. Here is my perspective: I do not support boycotts or negatively rating a private business. BookMyShow has every right to act in its own best interest." This statement follows allegations that the platform has removed his shows amid ongoing controversy.

In his message on X, he elaborated, "Dear BookMyShow, I recognize the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the government, especially considering that Mumbai is a key center for live entertainment. Without the state's support, major events like those featuring Coldplay and Guns N' Roses would not be feasible."

"Nonetheless, the core issue is not whether you can or will remove me from your listings; it pertains to your exclusive authority over the promotion of our shows. By restricting artists from listing their performances on their own websites, you have effectively barred me from reaching the audience I have engaged with from 2017 to 2025."

He concluded his message by stating, “Please do not remove my listing, nor share the contact information I have collected from my audience through your platform.”

During one of his performances, the comedian performed a parody of "Bholi Si Surat," a well-known song from the Bollywood film Dil To Pagal Hai. This parody was reportedly aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, resulting in several FIRs filed against him. In the wake of the controversy, Eknath Shinde's youth organization, Yuva Sena, defaced the Habitat comedy venue where the performance was recorded.

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