The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has issued a stern warning to comedian-actor Kapil Sharma, urging him to stop using the names ‘Bombay’ or ‘Bambai’ on his popular Netflix show, The Great Indian Kapil Show. The party made it clear that if the practice continues, it could trigger a strong agitation.
MNS Demands Correct Usage
As per PTI, Ameya Khopkar, head of the MNS film wing, emphasised that the city’s name is Mumbai. He noted that, on Kapil’s show, the city has often been referred to as Bombay or Bambai, which the party considers disrespectful. Khopkar questioned why other cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are referred to correctly, while Mumbai is still called by its old name.
He reminded Kapil that Mumbai has been his professional hub, his ‘karmabhoomi,’ and stressed that the city holds a special place in the hearts of its residents. Khopkar appealed to Sharma to correct this oversight if it happened unintentionally, asking him to ensure that guests on the show also refer to the city as Mumbai. Failure to comply, he warned, could lead to a strong agitation by the MNS.
Addressing speculation about political motivations ahead of local body elections, Khopkar clarified that the warning is not linked to upcoming polls. He stated that the issue of referring to Mumbai correctly has been a longstanding concern for the party. “Keep elections aside, the name of this city is Mumbai. Those who do not call it so will have to face our anger,” he added.
Examples Cited from the Show
Khopkar also highlighted instances from the show where celebrities, including Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem, referred to Mumbai as Bombay while narrating a story. He reiterated that even though the city was officially renamed in 1995 by the Maharashtra Government and recognised by the Central Government in 1996, the old name continues to be used frequently in Bollywood, television, and by some Delhi-based MPs.
About The Show
The Great Indian Kapil Show, which premiered in June, features Kapil Sharma along with Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, and Sunil Grover. Archana Puran Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu also make special appearances. The third season is available for streaming on Netflix.
MNS Demands Correct Usage
As per PTI, Ameya Khopkar, head of the MNS film wing, emphasised that the city’s name is Mumbai. He noted that, on Kapil’s show, the city has often been referred to as Bombay or Bambai, which the party considers disrespectful. Khopkar questioned why other cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are referred to correctly, while Mumbai is still called by its old name.
He reminded Kapil that Mumbai has been his professional hub, his ‘karmabhoomi,’ and stressed that the city holds a special place in the hearts of its residents. Khopkar appealed to Sharma to correct this oversight if it happened unintentionally, asking him to ensure that guests on the show also refer to the city as Mumbai. Failure to comply, he warned, could lead to a strong agitation by the MNS.
Addressing speculation about political motivations ahead of local body elections, Khopkar clarified that the warning is not linked to upcoming polls. He stated that the issue of referring to Mumbai correctly has been a longstanding concern for the party. “Keep elections aside, the name of this city is Mumbai. Those who do not call it so will have to face our anger,” he added.
Examples Cited from the Show
Khopkar also highlighted instances from the show where celebrities, including Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem, referred to Mumbai as Bombay while narrating a story. He reiterated that even though the city was officially renamed in 1995 by the Maharashtra Government and recognised by the Central Government in 1996, the old name continues to be used frequently in Bollywood, television, and by some Delhi-based MPs.
#BombaytoMumbai
— Ameya Khopkar (@MNSAmeyaKhopkar) September 11, 2025
बॉम्बेचे मुंबई अधिकृत नामकरण होऊन ३० वर्षे झाली तरी अजूनही बॉलिवूड मधील कपिल शर्मा शो यात सेलिब्रिटी गेस्ट, दिल्लीस्थित राज्यसभा खासदार, शो अँकर आणि अनेक हिंदी चित्रपटात सर्रास बॉम्बे हा उल्लेख होत आहे. १९९५ महाराष्ट्र शासन व १९९६ मध्ये केंद्र शासनाची अधिकृत… pic.twitter.com/KKa7TazDJ0
About The Show
The Great Indian Kapil Show, which premiered in June, features Kapil Sharma along with Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, and Sunil Grover. Archana Puran Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu also make special appearances. The third season is available for streaming on Netflix.
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