The Great Indian Kapil Show has found itself in the middle of a fresh controversy. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has warned Kapil Sharma and his team for allowing the use of the word Bombay instead of Mumbai on the show. The warning was issued on Thursday (September 11) and has already started debates on social media and in political circles.
MNS Objects To Usage Of Word ‘Bombay’ On The Great Indian Kapil Show
Ameya Khopkar, chief of the MNS’ film wing, addressed the media in Mumbai and expressed his anger. He said, “The name of this city is Mumbai. On Kapil’s show, we have seen that the city is always referred to as Bombay or Bambai. We oppose this. It’s not an objection, it’s anger. The name of this city is Mumbai. If you can address other cities by their proper names like Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, why insult our city?”
He reminded Kapil Sharma that Mumbai has played a huge role in his career. “You (Kapil) have been working in Mumbai for so many years… Mumbai has been your karmabhoomi. The people of Mumbai like you and watch your shows. Mumbai is in our hearts, don’t insult this city, don’t insult the people of Mumbai… I am warning Kapil Sharma.”
MNS Issues A Strong Warning To Kapil Sharma
Khopkar asked Kapil and his team to make sure that no guest or anchor on the Netflix comedy series uses the old name. He added, “I request you that if this has happened by mistake, then correct the mistake… Whoever comes on your show, whether they are celebrities or the anchor, tell them first that they must not call Mumbai as Bombay or Bambai. If this does not happen, then the MNS will launch a strong agitation.”
When asked if this warning was connected to upcoming local polls, Khopkar dismissed the idea. He said the party has been raising this issue for many years. According to him, the city was officially renamed in 1995 by the Maharashtra government and recognised by the Centre in 1996. “Keep elections aside, the name of this city is Mumbai. You will have to say Mumbai. And those who do not call it. So, i will have to face our anger.”
To prove his point, Khopkar also shared a video clip from The Great Indian Kapil Show on X (formerly Twitter). The video featured actors Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem. In it, Huma mentioned Bombay while talking about her move from Delhi and how her brother supported her. Khopkar said that even after nearly 30 years, the old name continues to appear in Bollywood films, TV shows, and stage programmes.
About The Great Indian Kapil Show
The Great Indian Kapil Show is a popular comedy programme streaming on Netflix. Its third season started on June 21 and features Kapil Sharma along with Archana Puran Singh, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sunil Grover, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, and others.
