MNS Warns Kapil Sharma Against Calling Mumbai ‘Bombay’ on His Show

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Thursday issued a warning to comedian-actor Kapil Sharma, asking him to stop referring to Mumbai as “Bombay” or “Bambai” on his television show. The party said it would launch a strong agitation if the practice continues.

MNS leader Ameya Khopkar, who heads the party’s film wing, made the statement while speaking to reporters in Mumbai, emphasizing the party’s stance on protecting the city’s identity.

The warning comes against the backdrop of recent political developments, including the visit of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to the residence of his cousin and MNS president Raj Thackeray, sparking speculation about a possible alliance between the two parties ahead of upcoming local body elections.

The MNS has long been vocal about the use of “Mumbai” instead of “Bombay,” reflecting the city’s cultural and political identity, and has previously staged protests against films, TV shows, and advertisements that refer to the city by its former name.