**Kunal Kamra Calls for Access to Audience Data After Delisting by BookMyShow**
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has publicly urged the online ticketing platform BookMyShow to either reverse its decision to delist him or provide access to audience data from his past performances. This request follows a controversy surrounding his jokes about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which led to his removal from the platform.
In a statement shared on social media, Kamra expressed his desire for the contact information of attendees from his solo shows, stating, “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 emphasized that the platform’s exclusivity in listing shows has hindered his ability to connect with his audience from performances dating back to 2017.
Kamra further articulated his position, saying, “The least I deserve, should you choose to delist me, is access to them. With that in mind, I request one of the following: Do not delist me, or provide me with the data (contact information) I’ve generated through your platform from my audience.”
The controversy escalated after Shiv Sena leader Rahoul N Kanal urged BookMyShow to cease hosting Kamra, leading to the comedian’s delisting and the removal of all related content from the platform. In response to the backlash, a social media campaign has emerged, calling for a boycott of BookMyShow.
While addressing the calls for boycott, Kamra stated, “To the audiences I’m not a fan of boycotts or down rating a private business. BookMyShow is well within their right to do what’s best for their business.”
In a related development, the Madras High Court has extended the interim anticipatory bail granted to Kamra until April 17, as he faces legal challenges stemming from his recent comedy show. The Mumbai Police have issued multiple summonses to him in connection with these cases.
As the situation unfolds, Kamra’s request for audience data highlights the ongoing tensions between artists and platforms that control access to their audiences, raising questions about the rights of performers in the digital age.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why was Kunal Kamra delisted from BookMyShow?**
A: Kunal Kamra was delisted from BookMyShow following a controversy over his jokes about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which led to political backlash and calls for his removal from the platform.