The entertainment world is buzzing with a new kind of drama, and it’s not a script for Kapil Sharma’s hit comedy show. The popular comedian and actor recently found himself in the crosshairs of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a political party that isn’t laughing about how he refers to India’s bustling entertainment capital. Their message? Stop calling Mumbai ‘Bombay’ or ‘Bambai’ on air, or face some serious real-life consequences.
This isn’t just a friendly reminder. The MNS issued a stark warning this Thursday, making it clear that they view the use of the older names as a direct insult to the city’s identity. They’ve threatened “strict action” if Sharma doesn’t change his ways, promising that their patience has run thin.
Why the Fuss Over a Name?
Ameya Khopkar, who heads the film wing of the MNS, didn’t mince words. He stressed that the city’s official name is Mumbai, plain and simple. Khopkar noted that for a long time, even as the new season of Kapil Sharma’s show kicked off, they’ve seen the city consistently referred to as ‘Bombay’ or ‘Bambai’. This, he explained, is far beyond a mere objection; it’s a source of deep-seated anger.
Khopkar pointed out the double standard: “If other major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are called by their current, official names, why should Mumbai be disrespected?” He highlighted Kapil Sharma’s deep connection to the city, where the comedian has built his career over many years. “Mumbai is your professional home,” he stated. “The people of Mumbai adore you and tune into your shows. Mumbai lives in our hearts. Do not insult this city, and do not insult its people.” Khopkar conveyed these sentiments during a press interaction and also shared them on social media.
Interestingly, this warning from the MNS came just a day after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray visited his cousin, MNS president Raj Thackeray. That visit sparked a lot of talk about a potential political alliance ahead of upcoming local body elections, adding another layer to the public discourse.
An Ultimatum for Kapil’s Show
When asked if the timing of their stance was linked to the upcoming elections, Khopkar was quick to dismiss the notion. He insisted that the MNS has been fighting for this cause for years. “Elections aside,” he stated, “the city’s name is Mumbai. You must use ‘Mumbai,’ and anyone who doesn’t will feel our wrath.”
Khopkar made a heartfelt plea to the comedian: “If this has been an oversight, please correct it.” He urged Kapil to instruct everyone on his show, from celebrity guests to the anchors themselves, to use only ‘Mumbai’ when referring to the city, completely ditching ‘Bombay’ or ‘Bambai’. “If this doesn’t happen,” Khopkar warned, “the MNS will launch a powerful movement.”
Khopkar’s social media post reinforced his points, highlighting that it has been three decades since Bombay officially became Mumbai. He noted that even after the Maharashtra government approved the change in 1995 and the central government in 1996, the term ‘Bombay’ still pops up in Bollywood, on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ with celebrity guests, by Delhi-based Rajya Sabha MPs, and by show anchors. He also reminded everyone that Mumbai was renamed even before other cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata adopted their current names. His post ended with a clear message: “We appeal and warn you to respect the name Mumbai.” Kapil Sharma currently hosts ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show,’ which is available on Netflix.