BookMyShow reacts to Kunal Kamra’s claims about delisting amidst stand-up comedy show row: ‘It’s the decision of the organiser’
In the wake of growing political outrage surrounding Kunal Kamra’s recent stand-up act — where the comedian took a jab at Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde — the performer has written an open letter to one of the leading online ticket booking platforms. His open letter follows speculation that the popular ticketing service may have removed his listings under political pressure. The online platform has now addressed the concerns raised by Kunal.
Kamra’s letter, shared on social media, highlights multiple grievances. The comedian claimed BookMyShow failed to share audience data with him and didn’t allow artistes the freedom to host ticket sales on their personal websites. These claims, coupled with uncertainty around his show listings, prompted the comedian to publicly seek clarity from the platform. In response, BookMyShow issued an official statement denying any wrongdoing and asserting that its role had been mischaracterised.
Online Platform Defends Its Role
“BookMyShow is a platform to facilitate the sale of tickets and operates the business with neutrality and in compliance with the applicable laws of India. Facts about our role have been misrepresented in the public domain,” the company clarified in a statement. “Our role is to provide a platform for ticket sales of live shows, and it is the decision of the organiser or the venue to list or delist their shows.”
Addressing concerns raised by Kamra about ticketing restrictions, the platform stated that it does not prevent artistes from selling tickets through their own websites.
“The content of each performance is solely at the discretion of the performer or the organiser (as the case may be) and does not reflect our views,” the statement continued. “We work with all venues and promoters on mutually agreed-upon commercials to provide our ticketing service, as would be the case with any business. We do not restrict any artiste from selling their show on their own website, should they choose to do so.”
Reiterating its mission, the platform added, “Our platform is about bringing people together through shared experiences, regardless of their beliefs. We remain committed to delivering the best possible service and experience for everyone.”
Kamra’s Letter Calls for Data Transparency
In his detailed note posted on X (formerly Twitter), Kamra urged the online ticket booking platform to reconsider its policies.
“Dear @bookmyshow – I still don’t know if I have your platform’s support or not. Below is my humble view – To the audiences: I’m not a fan of boycotts or downrating a private business… BookMyShow is well within its rights to do what’s best for its business. You take a 10% cut of the revenue for listing shows, which is your business model. However, this raises an important point: no matter how big or small a comedian is, we are all compelled to spend between Rs 6,000 to 10,000 a day on advertising to reach our own audience. I request one of the following: either do not list me, or provide me with the data (contact information) I have generated through your platform from my audience,” he wrote.
Political Pressure Brewing in the Background
The controversy gained momentum after Shiv Sena youth leader Rahool Kanal reportedly urged BookMyShow to halt ticket sales for Kamra’s performances, objecting to the content of his recent set. Anyway there has been no official confirmation of a delisting, the speculation has led to public discourse over free speech, platform responsibility, and political influence in the entertainment space.
