Kunal Kamra criticises T-Series after visibility of 'Naya Bharat' video blocked on YouTube
New Delhi, Mar 26 (PTI): Comedian Kunal Kamra on Wednesday criticised Bollywood studio T-Series, alleging that his stand-up special "Naya Bharat", which has kicked up a huge controversy over jokes targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, was flagged for copyright violations on YouTube.
Kamra on Wednesday dropped a new video from the comedy special, in which he performed a parody of "Hawa Hawai" from "Mr India" to criticise Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her policies.
The songs of "Mr India", which featured Anil Kapoor and late cinema star Sridevi, belong to T-Series label.
Kamra shared a screenshot from YouTube on X, which showed "Naya Bharat", his new video, has been blocked due to copyright restrictions and therefore is not visible to viewers. Due to copyright claims, the video will not be able to generate revenue as well.
"Hello @TSeries, stop being a stooge. Parody and Satire comes under fair use legally. I haven’t used the lyrics or the original instrumental of the song. If you take this video down every cover song/dance video can be taken down. Creators please take a note of it," the 36-year-old comic said.
"Having said that every monopoly in India is nothing short of Mafia so please watch/download this special before it’s taken down. FYI - T- Series I stay in Tamil Nadu (sic)," he added.
In a statement, a spokesperson of T-Series said, "Mr Kunal Kamra has not taken any authorisation or approval for the usage of the underlying musical work in the song hence the content has been blocked for infringement of composition rights."
"Naya Bharat", which also made jokes about recent political developments in Maharashtra, including the Shiv Sena and NCP splits, has amassed over 6.7 million views on YouTube.
On Sunday night, Shiv Sena members damaged the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra's show took place, as well as a hotel in whose premises the club is located.
Kamra has said he will not apologise for his comments made in the video.
Hello @TSeries, stop being a stooge.
— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 26, 2025
Parody & Satire comes under fair use Legally.
I haven’t used the lyrics or the original instrumental of the song.
If you take this video down every cover song/dance video can be taken down.
Creators please take a note of it.
Having said… pic.twitter.com/Q8HXl1UhMy
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Himachal: 6 killed as tree falls on vehicles after landslide near Manikaran Gurudrawa
Shimla (PTI): Six people died after a huge tree fell on several vehicles following a landslide near Gurudwara Manikarn Sahib in Himachal's Kullu district on Sunday, officials said.
A tree on the mountain opposite the gurudwara got uprooted following a storm and landslide. It fell on some vehicles parked on the road, killing six and injuring three others, they said.
The injured have been sent to Jari Hospital for treatment, the officials added.
Medical teams, police and revenue officials are present at the spot and coordinating rescue and relief operations, said Kullu's Sub Divisional Magistrate Vikas Shukla told reporters at the spot.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur have expressed deep grief over the incident.
CM Sukhu has directed the district administration to extend all possible assistance to the victims and their families.
He has also instructed officers to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.
