Uses of old name irk Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, party threatens agitation
What Happened
- Kapil Sharma’s Netflix show The Great Indian Kapil Show came under fire from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) after celebrity guest Huma Qureshi referred to Mumbai as “Bombay” while speaking to her brother Saqib Saleem and the Shetty sisters.
- MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar issued a warning, saying that even though Bombay was officially renamed Mumbai in 1995 (state) and 1996 (centre), many in Bollywood still use the outdated name.
Demands & Warning
- Khopkar demanded that Kapil Sharma ensure both guests and hosts always refer to the city as Mumbai, not Bombay or Bambai.
- He warned that MNS would launch a strong agitation if this misuse continues.
- Khopkar reminded Kapil that Mumbai has been his “karmabhoomi” (land of work) and that the people of Mumbai expect the city’s name to be respected.
Context & Identity
- The city was officially renamed Mumbai in 1995 by the Maharashtra government, with the central government adopting the change in 1996.
- For many Maharashtrians, using “Mumbai” instead of “Bombay” is about cultural pride, identity, and regional respect.
- Continued use of “Bombay” is seen as outdated and disrespectful by groups like the MNS.
The controversy over the use of “Bombay” versus “Mumbai” is not just about semantics—it’s deeply tied to regional identity and cultural pride. As public figures like Kapil Sharma command massive audiences, their language choices carry weight. Whether accidental or intentional, such references can spark wider debates. As The Great Indian Kapil Show heads into its third season, it remains to be seen how the team responds—and whether this serves as a larger reminder to Bollywood about respecting the official and emotional name of India’s financial capital.
