Comedian Kunal Kamra recently found himself in a tough spot when several of his shows were allegedly delisted from BookMyShow one of India’s biggest ticketing platforms. In response to the growing noise on social media BookMyShow issued a public statement saying that it only acts as a platform to help sell tickets and doesn’t make decisions about what shows to list or delist. BookMyShows statement: The company shared the statement on Instagram saying “BookMyShow is a platform to facilitate the sale of tickets and operates with neutrality and in compliance with the laws of India. Some facts about our role have been misrepresented. Its the organiser or the venue that decides whether to list or delist shows.” They also added that they don’t interfere with the content of performances and that performers or organisers are fully in charge of what they present on stage. “We work with various venues and promoters on agreed terms. Artists are free to sell tickets on their own websites if they wish to” the statement said. Kunal Kamra is not sure whether BMS is supporting him or not Kunal Kamra reacted to this post on X (formerly Twitter) saying he’s still not sure whether BookMyShow is supporting him or not. “I’m not someone who supports boycotts or targeting a private business. BookMyShow is within its rights to do what it feels is best” he said. In a detailed note shared on X Kamra explained his main concern - that BookMyShow doesn’t allow artists to directly connect with their audience or sell tickets through their own websites. “By keeping the ticketing process exclusive you’ve stopped me from reaching the audience I’ve built since 2017” he wrote. He also pointed out the business model of the platform where BookMyShow takes 10% of the revenue for listing shows. But artists still have to spend Rs 6000 to Rs 10000 per day on advertising to promote their shows he said. “That’s an added cost we have to bear on top of everything else” he added. The controversy started after Kamra performed a parody of the song Bholi Si Surat during a live show in Mumbai which allegedly made fun of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. After the performance several FIRs were filed against him and Kamra claimed he received threats. In response he approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. Things escalated when Yuva Sena the youth wing of Shinde’s Shiv Sena vandalised the Habitat comedy venue where Kamra had performed. Despite the backlash Kamra said he won’t apologise for the act but will cooperate with the police if needed.