India’s Got Latent was launched on 14 June 2024 by comedian Samay Raina on his YouTube channel, India’s Got Latent quickly became a popular platform for showcasing unconventional talent and pushing creative boundaries. The show featured a mix of comedians, content creators, and performers, including notable names like Ashish Chanchalani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Mukhija (The Rebel Kid). However, the show’s journey took a dramatic turn when a controversy erupted over derogatory comments made by Ranveer Allahbadia, a prominent YouTuber known for his channel BeerBiceps. This led to widespread backlash, the removal of all episodes from YouTube on 12 February 2025, and even discussions in Parliament. Here’s a detailed look at the rise, fall, and aftermath of India’s Got Latent.
The Rise of India’s Got Latent
Samay Raina, known for his wit and unique comedic style, envisioned India’s Got Latent as a platform to celebrate unconventional talent and humor. The show featured a diverse lineup of participants, including visually impaired comedians like Bhavya Shah and Kushal Bhanushali, who broke stereotypes by showcasing their comedic skills. Contestants like Sharon, who delivered the iconic “weak independent woman” gig, became fan favorites. The show’s format was fresh, edgy, and unapologetically bold, resonating with a younger audience tired of traditional reality TV.
The judges and guests, including popular figures like Raftaar and Munawar Faruqui, added to the show’s appeal. Their candid feedback and humorous interactions made the episodes engaging and relatable. For many participants, India’s Got Latent was a life-changing opportunity. As Bhavya Shah shared, “Indian media has always shown disabled people as objects of pity. Latent was the first time people saw us as goofy, and normal.”
The Controversy That Shook the Show
The controversy began when Ranveer Allahbadia, during an episode, made remarks about parents and sex that were deemed offensive by many viewers. His comments sparked outrage on social media, with critics accusing the show of crossing the line of decency. The backlash was swift and severe, with complaints pouring in from across the country. The episode was eventually removed, but the damage had already been done.
The controversy escalated to such an extent that it reached the halls of Parliament, with politicians and public figures weighing in on the matter. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the episode, stating, “Everyone has freedom of speech, but this freedom ends when we encroach upon others’ freedom. Anyone who crosses the limits of decency will face action.” A police case was filed against 30-40 individuals associated with the show, further intensifying the scrutiny.
The Fallout: Removal of Episodes and Public Backlash
Amid the growing controversy, Samay Raina made the difficult decision to remove all episodes of India’s Got Latent from his YouTube channel. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his distress, saying, “Everything that is happening has been too much for me to handle. My only objective was to make people laugh and have a good time. I will fully cooperate with all agencies to ensure their inquiries are concluded fairly.”
The removal of the show left fans disappointed, but the backlash continued. YouTuber Gaurav Taneja (Flying Beast) criticized Samay, stating, “Seems like Samay Raina won’t stop until he gets all of YouTube India cancelled.” Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna also joined the chorus of criticism, urging the government to take strict action against the comedians involved. On his YouTube channel, Bheeshm International, he said, “This is a serious offense. It should not be taken lightly.”
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent sparked a larger conversation about freedom of expression, accountability, and the role of comedy in society. While some argued that the show pushed boundaries to challenge societal norms, others felt it crossed the line into insensitivity. The incident also highlighted the power of social media in amplifying public outrage and holding content creators accountable.
For Samay Raina, the fallout was a harsh reminder of the challenges that come with creating edgy content. We should remember our rich culture and should maintain decency while doing such shows on any public platforms. There is thin line between freedom of speech and spitting anything which may affect our society badly so be cautious and responsible to our country.
