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Comedian Samay Raina and The Habitat owner Balraj Singh Ghai’s visit to Lalbaugcha Raja this week sparked heated reactions online. The two were seen offering prayers alongside Shiv Sena youth leader Rahool Kanal, the same politician who was arrested in March 2025 for vandalising The Habitat after comedian Kunal Kamra’s comments against Eknath Shinde.
Fans Shocked at Unexpected Appearance
The sight of Samay Raina and Balraj Ghai with Kanal left many fans stunned, as the past clash between Mumbai’s comedy circuit and Shiv Sena is still fresh in public memory. Videos from the visit quickly went viral, showing the three entering the pandal together.
Fans expressed their anger on social media. One user asked, “Wasn’t he the same guy who had sent goons to The Habitat?” Another wrote, “An unexpected collaboration…surprising alliance” A third said, “Balraj Ghai ka insurance claim settlement ho gaya lagta.” One user wrote, “What in the multiverse of madness is @balrajghai hanging out with the guy who broke habitat.”
Film and television director Ashoke Pandit also reacted, calling the moment “a joke.”
Balraj Ghai Shares Post on Reconciliation
Balraj later posted on Instagram about the visit, writing that it was his first time at Lalbaugcha Raja. He thanked Rahool Kanal for facilitating the darshan and said, “With the blessings of Bappa, we put down the past and move forward together into a brighter future.” The post also featured photos of Ghai with Kanal, suggesting that the two had resolved their differences.
While many expressed disappointment, others praised the reconciliation. Munawar Faruqui commented, “Comedy always unites. Both are brothers.” Some fans echoed similar sentiments, saying that only Ganpati could bring such unlikely people together.
Who is Rahool Kanal?
Rahool Kanal is a prominent Shiv Sena youth leader and social activist. Formerly a close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, he switched to the Eknath Shinde faction in 2023 and became General Secretary of the Yuva Sena. He is the founder of the I Love Mumbai Foundation and has been linked to several civic and cultural initiatives, including the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust.
He also owns the Mumbai restaurant Bhaijaanz, themed around actor Salman Khan, and serves as President of the Pickleball Association of Maharashtra.
Kanal made headlines last year after leading a group of party workers to vandalise The Habitat, a well-known comedy venue in Mumbai. The attack came after Kunal Kamra referred to Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” and sang a parody mocking him. Kanal defended his actions at the time, warning Kamra that such remarks would not be tolerated.
Samay Raina’s Career Continues to Grow
The timing of this public appearance is significant for Samay Raina, who has been trending since the “India’s Got Latent” controversy. Despite online criticism, his career shows no signs of slowing down.
Just days before the Ganpati visit, Raina performed in Mumbai to nearly 25,000 people across two nights. He has also launched a podcast featuring leading content creators and social media personalities.
ALSO READ: Samay Raina Net Worth: Inspiring Rise from Student Struggles to Crores in Comedy
Sharing a heartfelt note after his shows, Raina wrote, “Mumbai, I love you so much. Last two nights I performed for 25,000 people in my city, I am overwhelmed and grateful to every single person who came out to see me. It means the world to me.”
The Larger Debate
The sight of Samay Raina and Balraj Ghai reconciling with a leader linked to violence against comedy spaces has sparked debate. While some see it as a hopeful sign of moving past conflict, others remain sceptical, questioning whether it was a genuine reconciliation or a political move.
For now, the image of Raina, Balraj Ghai and Kanal together at Lalbaugcha Raja remains one of the most talked-about moments from this year’s Ganpati celebrations.
FAQs
Why are fans shocked to see Samay Raina with Rahool Kanal?
Fans were surprised because Rahool Kanal was previously involved in vandalising The Habitat, a popular comedy venue in Mumbai, during the controversy linked to comedian Kunal Kamra. Seeing Samay Raina and Balraj Ghai with him at Lalbaugcha Raja felt unexpected for many comedy fans.
Who is Rahool Kanal?
Rahool Kanal is a Shiv Sena youth leader and social activist. He was earlier a close aide of Aaditya Thackeray but later joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. He is known for founding the ‘I Love Mumbai’ Foundation and was among those arrested in 2023 for vandalising The Habitat.
What happened during The Habitat vandalism incident?
The Habitat was vandalised by Shiv Sena workers, led by Rahool Kanal, after Kunal Kamra called Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “gaddar” in a parody performance. The attack angered comedy fans across India, as the venue was one of Mumbai’s most important comedy spaces.
What did Balraj Ghai say about visiting Lalbaugcha Raja with Rahool Kanal?
Balraj Ghai, owner of The Habitat, shared on Instagram that with the blessings of Lord Ganesha, he wanted to move past old issues and look forward to a brighter future. He thanked Rahool Kanal for taking him for his first darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja.
