Mumbai: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has issued a warning to Kapil Sharma’s comedy show, The Great Indian Kapil Show, over references to Mumbai as “Bombay” by celebrity guests.
Ameya Khopkar, head of the party’s film wing, took to X to caution the show after episodes aired in which guests referred to the city by its former name.
Khopkar alleged that the term “Bombay” continues to be used frequently—not just on Kapil Sharma’s show, but also by Delhi-based Rajya Sabha MPs, show anchors, and in numerous Hindi films.
Highlighting the official renaming of the city to Mumbai by the Maharashtra government in 1995, he issued a “request-cum-warning” urging everyone to respect the updated nomenclature.
He wrote:
“Even though 30 years have passed since Bombay was officially renamed Mumbai, the term ‘Bombay’ is still frequently used by celebrity guests on Kapil Sharma’s show, Delhi-based Rajya Sabha MPs, show anchors, and in many Hindi films. It was officially recognised by the Maharashtra Government in 1995 and by the Central Government in 1996, even before Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Therefore, a humble request-cum-warning is being issued to respect this and use the name Mumbai.”
Khopkar shared a clip from an episode where Huma Qureshi spoke about how her brother Saqib Saleem had supported her through challenges they faced in “Bombay” as outsiders.
The Great Indian Kapil Show combines celebrity interviews with comedy sketches. Alongside Kapil Sharma, the show features Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Sunil Grover, Archana Puran Singh, and Navjot Singh Sidhu.
The first season featured prominent guests including Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and his family, cricketers Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, international pop star Ed Sheeran, and many other figures from entertainment and sports.
