Mumbai: Popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia is facing backlash for his inappropriate jokes and remarks during his recent appearance as a judge on India’s Got Latent.
A complaint was filed with the Mumbai Commissioner and Maharashtra Women’s Commission on Monday against him, social media influencer Apoorva Makhija, comedian Samay Raina and the organisers of the show, seeking strict action over the alleged use of abusive language.
The controversy erupted after a clip of the latest episode of the roast show, in which Ranveer was seen asking a contestant if they would rather watch their parents have sex for the rest of their lives or join them once to put a stop to it, went viral on social media.
His statement also came a shock for Samaya known for his quick thinking and impeccable timing. “It seems you are asking the rejected questions of your podcast,” he said.
Amid the backlash, the Hindu IT Cell also filed a complaint with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting against Ranveer and Samay, accusing them of “promoting obscenity.”
Social media users have called for a boycott of India’s Got Latent and its participants, slamming the show for crossing ethical boundaries, pointing to its use of explicit jokes, racist comments, and objectification. Many have also urged people to unsubscribe from Ranveer’s channel, insisting that he should be held accountable for his remarks.
Storyteller Neelesh Misra wrote a lengthy note expressing his disgust over Beer Biceps’ comments on the show. “Banal, crass, and insensitive are words only for boring, uncool people. These creators can say anything in the name of freedom of speech and get away with it (sic),” he wrote while calling them ‘perverts’.
“Would you rather watch your parents have sex for the rest of your life — or would you join in once and stop it forever?”
Meet the perverted creators who are shaping our country’s creative economy. I am sure each one has a following of millions.
This content is not designated as… https://t.co/UjwKyPIhJQ— Neelesh Misra (@neeleshmisra) February 9, 2025
Reacting to the post, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate wrote: “This isn’t creative. It’s pervert. And we can’t normalise perverse behaviour as cool. The fact that this sick comment met loud applause must worry us all (sic).”
Former NCW chief and Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma also termed the video shocking. “The video is very shocking and I think whether it is a female or a male, this kind of joke is never accepted by society. Making jokes about a mother or a female’s body doesn’t look good and somewhere it shows how today’s youth has stooped down to such a level morally. I think such jokes affect others who are engaged in similar creative things. I have just forwarded that video to the NCW Chairperson to take action,” Business Today reported, quoting her.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said if societal rules were broken then action should be taken. “I have come to know about it. I have not seen it yet. Things have been said and presented in a wrong way. Everyone has freedom of speech but our freedom ends when we encroach upon the freedom of others… In our society, we have made some rules, if someone violates them it is absolutely wrong and action should be taken against them,” the report quoted him as saying.
Actor Kamaal R Khan has requested Mumbai police to book Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and other judges of the show for “such a porn”. “I want @MumbaiPolice to file a FIR from my side against these people. I am sure, there is a law available to stop such a porn. If police can arrest Raj Kundra, so why not these people?” he posted on X.
Also in the same episode, a contestant, seemingly from Kerala, was asked about her political stance but was mocked for showing no interest in politics. The situation worsened when she revealed she doesn’t vote. The show’s makers ridiculed her for lacking political clarity. Upon learning she doesn’t vote, panellist Jaspreet sarcastically remarked, “Kerala, Saar.. 100 per cent literacy Saar,” mimicking a Malayali accent.
Despite the escalating controversy, neither Samay, Ranveer, nor Apoorva Makhija has responded or issued any statement on the matter yet.
However, this is not the first time that Samay Raina’s show has come under the scanner. Recently, a complaint was filed against Arunachal Pradesh contestant Jessy Nabam over her remarks about people in her state eating even their pet dogs.
