Mumbai – Comedian Kapil Sharma has sparked controversy with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for repeatedly referring to Mumbai as “Bombay” or “Bambai” on his Netflix program, The Great Indian Kapil Show. The MNS, led by Raj Thackeray, issued a stern warning to Sharma, urging him to use the city’s official name, Mumbai, and threatened strong protests if the practice continues.
Ameya Khopkar, head of the MNS film wing, expressed his frustration in a statement to reporters, noting that Mumbai was officially renamed in 1995 by the Maharashtra government, with central government approval in 1996. He emphasized that the persistent use of “Bombay” on Sharma’s show, including by celebrity guests like Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem, disrespects the city and its people. Khopkar shared a clip on social media from an episode where Qureshi referred to Mumbai as “Bombay” while recounting her experiences in the city, further fueling the MNS’s objections.
“You have worked in Mumbai for years; it’s your karmabhoomi,” Khopkar told, addressing Sharma directly. “The people of Mumbai admire you and watch your show. Don’t insult this city.” He clarified that the warning is not politically motivated and urged Sharma to ensure all guests and anchors use “Mumbai” moving forward. Failure to comply, Khopkar warned, could lead to significant agitation from the MNS.
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The controversy follows a pattern of regional sensitivities, as Mumbai’s renaming reflects Maharashtra’s cultural identity, a cause championed by parties like the MNS and Shiv Sena. The issue gained traction after Khopkar’s social media post, which highlighted the 30-year gap since the name change. As of now, Sharma has not publicly responded to the MNS’s demands, leaving the issue unresolved as public attention grows.
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