Kapil Sharma’s Apology Not Enough? MNS Demands Respect for Mumbai, Threatens Strong Action

Mumbai is in Our Hearts! MNS Warns Kapil Sharma to Use Correct Name, or Face the Consequences

By
Shweta Ghadashi
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Kapil Sharma's Apology Not Enough? MNS Demands Respect for Mumbai, Threatens Strong Action
Kapil Sharma_pic courtesy X

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has served a warning in strict tone to comedian Kapil Sharma, asking him and his visitors on The Great Indian Kapil Show to refrain from using the terms “Bombay” or “Bambai” and instead use the name “Mumbai” as it is the official name. The warning has been issued after a video from the show appeared in which actors Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem used the term “Bombay”.

“Not an Objection, It’s Anger”: MNS Film Wing Head

Ameya Khopkar, president of the MNS’ film wing, expressed strong disapproval over the repeated use of “Bombay” on Kapil’s show. Speaking to ANI, he said, “The name of this city is Mumbai. It’s not an objection, it’s anger. You’ve been working in Mumbai for years. Don’t insult our city.”

Khopkar insisted that Kapil make all the people on his show—hosts and guests alike—use proper respect for the city’s name. “If this does not cease, we will initiate a tough agitation,” he threatened.

30 Years After Renaming

Mumbai was formally renamed Bombay in 1995 by the government of Maharashtra, and later confirmed by the central government in 1996. “Before Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata changed names, even Mumbai was renamed. But Bollywood still uses Bombay in a casual manner,” Khopkar posted on X (formerly Twitter), using a video clip from the show as proof.

Not Politically Motivated, Claims MNS

Clarifying that the warning is not tied to upcoming local body polls, Khopkar stated, “We’ve been fighting for this cause for years. Elections are irrelevant. It’s about respecting the city and its people.”

The Great Indian Kapil Show premiered on Netflix in June and features Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Sunil Grover, Archana Puran Singh, and Navjot Singh Sidhu.