Kapil Sharma Warned by MNS Over 'Bombay' Reference
Kapil Sharma, one of India's most popular comedians, is currently facing backlash after referring to Mumbai as "Bombay" on his Netflix show, The Great Indian Kapil Show. This remark has prompted a strong warning from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party, which considers the use of the city's former name an insult to both the city and its residents.
The controversy arose during an episode featuring celebrities such as Shilpa and Shamita Shetty, along with Huma Qureshi and her brother Saqib Saleem. In a moment of nostalgia, Huma referred to Mumbai as "Bombay," expressing her comfort in having her brother nearby since she is not originally from the city. This seemingly innocent statement, however, did not sit well with the MNS.
MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar took to social media to express his displeasure, sharing a clip from the show. He highlighted that even though it has been over 25 years since the city was officially renamed from Bombay to Mumbai, the term "Bombay" continues to be used frequently in various contexts, including television shows and films. Khopkar's post serves as both a warning and a request for respect toward the city's official name.
In a direct appeal to Kapil, Khopkar stated, “Mumbai is in our hearts, don’t insult this city, don’t insult the people of Mumbai.” He emphasized that Kapil, having worked in the city for many years, should be more mindful of how he refers to it. The spokesperson urged Kapil to correct this mistake if it was unintentional and instructed him to inform his guests to use the name Mumbai during their appearances on the show.
Khophar's comments are indicative of a broader sentiment among many Mumbaikars who take pride in their city. The MNS has threatened to launch a strong agitation if this issue is not addressed properly. As Kapil continues to host the third season of his show, he will need to navigate this controversy carefully to maintain his popularity and respect among his fans.
The Great Indian Kapil Show has been a significant part of Indian entertainment, attracting a variety of celebrity guests and engaging audiences with its humorous content. As the show progresses, how Kapil Sharma handles this situation may impact not only his career but also the relationship between artists and their cultural responsibilities.
