An unusual scene in Mumbai has caught everyone’s attention after actor Kunal Kapoor humorously highlighted a growing problem. Despite repeated warnings from the Bombay High Court, political hoardings continue to appear across the city. These banners, especially prevalent during elections and festivals, cover walls, poles, and bridges, creating cluttered public spaces.
Time and again, many have pointed out that these hoardings violate the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, yet the issue persists.
To highlight this ongoing issue, the Rang De Basanti star put up a banner of himself on a busy road for his birthday, even though it wasn’t actually his birthday. He shared a photo of it online, using humour to showcase just how common
these banners have become. He cheekily suggested that if political workers can plaster the city with posters, then anyone can do the same.
Kunal Kapoor Highlights Mumbai’s Hoarding Problem With A Funny Twist
While real political hoardings are usually huge and packed with photos of leaders, party symbols and long lists of supporters, Kunal Kapoor kept his banner extremely simple. His poster only had his picture and a short line that said “Happy Birthday To Me.”
Taking to X (Formerly Twitter), the actor wrote, “Why should politicians have all the fun? Let’s all start putting posters of ourselves around the cities. Wishing ourselves, our families and friends. If you can’t beat them, let’s join them and deface the city together.”
Why should politicians have all the fun?! Let’s all start putting posters of ourselves around the cities. Wishing ourselves, our families and friends. If you can’t beat them, let’s join them and deface the city together
Internet Calls This A Brilliant Way To Stop It Once And For All
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “That already happens in Maharashtra and southern India. Huge posters for birthdays, marriage, and even Ritushuddhi are common. Northerners need to catch up.”
Another shared, “It’s better than seeing posters called ‘Dada’ celebrating Birthdays everywhere.”
“Great idea. We can do this for our pets too,” a comment read.
“You will be arrested,” said a social media user.
“Kunal has won the internet today. Go home people. Nothing is gonna beat this politically important reminder of civic sense,” read a comment.
An individual stated, “Surely, Challan will come to our home, sir. As we are not political.”
Another jokingly mentioned, “So many times this thought crossed my mind, but I could only cross the road, couldn’t cross the line, bro.”
One more added, “You are not wearing those gold chains, and it should be like, Kunal bhav Kapoor, and you have to look ugly.”
Promises Ignored As Illegal Hoardings Still Cover Public Spaces
According to reports, the Bombay High Court had sent notices to several political parties a few years ago following a petition highlighting the increasing number of illegal hoardings and banners featuring political leaders across Maharashtra. The case was revisited by the Chief Justice and another judge in December 2024, who noted that political parties had previously promised in 2017 not to support or permit such hoardings. They had also instructed their workers to refrain from putting up posters and banners without proper permission.
The court observed that these promises were not honoured. The judges demanded that political parties explain why action should not be taken against them for disregarding the earlier ruling. They expressed disappointment over the widespread presence of illegal hoardings, including on buildings like the High Court itself. The bench urged authorities to take strict action and warned that tougher measures might be necessary if the situation persisted.
