Podcasters and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina are facing intense criticism after an inappropriate comment made on India’s Got Latent went viral. The comment, widely deemed offensive, has drawn sharp backlash from political leaders, influencers, and actors. As a result, YouTube India was compelled to take down the episode on the directive of the Indian government. Multiple police complaints and an FIR have been filed against Ranveer—also known as Beer Biceps—Samay, and the other judges of the show, including Apoorva Makhija, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and the show's creators.

The controversy erupted over a disturbing joke in which Ranveer was heard saying, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever.” This comment caused widespread outrage, leading to a sharp drop in Ranveer’s online following. Reports indicate that he has lost more than 8,000 followers across various social media platforms in a short span of time.

Data from the influencer marketing analytics platform Qoruz shows that Ranveer’s personal Instagram account lost 4,153 followers, while his Beer Biceps account saw a decline of 4,205 followers. The controversy threatens not just his subscriber base but also his business collaborations with major brands such as Spotify, Mountain Dew, Amazon Prime Video, Intel, and Wow Skin Science.

All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) withdraws support for Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina

On February 10, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) issued a statement condemning the vulgar remarks made on India’s Got Latent. The association denounced both the show’s host, Samay Raina, and YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia for their involvement in promoting such content. AICWA declared, “AICWA unequivocally denounces and will never support such despicable shows. Our industry has always stood against content that promotes disrespect and undermines societal harmony.”

The association also called for a full boycott, stating, “We call upon all actors, filmmakers, directors, and technicians to immediately cease any collaboration with individuals involved in this show, including host Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia. Henceforth, these individuals will receive no support from the Indian film industry.”

Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and Public Outrage: Why Comedians Will Never Be ‘Left Alone’

The controversy surrounding Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina has escalated beyond social media outrage, drawing the attention of authorities and national institutions. Police have filed an FIR against the two, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued a notice regarding the offensive content. Additionally, a Rajya Sabha MP from Uddhav Sena has vowed to raise the matter in Parliament. Despite attempts to deflect responsibility, this scandal shows no signs of fading. As one might say in reference to the joke that caused the uproar, even if Allahbadia tried to "join this clusterf*ck instead of just watching it, he won’t be able to stop it forever." The backlash, much like the joke itself, seems endless.

This situation illustrates a deeper reality about the nature of comedy. While comedians often argue, “Why give us so much importance when all we are doing is to crack silly jokes to help few people relax and destress,” the truth is that comedy is rarely seen as trivial. Instead, it is treated as a serious and influential form of expression. Even though comedians might wish to be left alone, they seldom are, because comedy—especially the kind driven by words—often touches on social and political matters, whether intentionally or not. Physical comedy, such as that performed by circus clowns, may appear purely entertaining, but even legendary acts like those of Charlie Chaplin have carried subtle yet powerful social commentary.

This duality of comedy—its capacity to entertain while simultaneously reflecting societal issues—places comedians in a paradoxical position. Whether they like it or not, comedians may inadvertently become seen as activists or social commentators. “Whether or not a comedian is aiming to be or wants to be, he or she becomes some sort of an activist or a social worker – absurd as it may sound.” This scrutiny is inescapable, as society expects even humor to operate within established boundaries. When jokes overstep these boundaries, they are met with pushback, sometimes in the form of censorship or even legal action.

As scrutiny intensifies, there is growing concern that comedy might become regulated or self-censored. This poses a significant threat to creativity, as "regulation, censorship, and worst of all, self-censorship," stifle the free expression necessary for artistic innovation. Yet this raises a philosophical question: is a comedian primarily an artist or an activist?

The distinction between these two roles lies in their focus. An artist typically embarks on a journey of self-exploration, whereas an activist is primarily driven by a concern for societal change. However, these roles are not entirely separate. In many cases, they overlap. Some individuals blur the lines entirely, referring to themselves as "artist-activists," though, as critics point out, “they usually suck at both.” Regardless of how one defines their role, artists—comedians included—cannot fully escape societal oversight. Art and literature have historically driven significant social and political changes, often more so than wars or elections. Consequently, "it is naïve to expect that they would be left alone by existing power structures (both social and political)."

Comedy, whether viewed as art or activism, is unlikely to ever operate in a vacuum. The idea of a world where humor is left unchecked—where “don’t like it, don’t watch it” is an accepted stance—remains a libertarian ideal that has never materialized. In reality, comedians and their work will always be monitored and judged because their words have the potential to influence societal norms and structures.

It is also essential to recognize that humor often targets specific ideas, entities, or individuals. As a tool of satire, comedy enables criticism in ways that serious discourse might not. “It allows you to criticize some things that otherwise might be difficult to do when done in a serious manner.” However, when this humor challenges powerful institutions or figures, it inevitably provokes retaliation. In such cases, comedians, like other artists, find themselves caught in a complex web of social accountability and political resistance.

It is crucial to understand that “power structures” are not limited to those who hold political power, such as governments or ruling parties. Instead, they represent any system that enforces the status quo and maintains social balance. These structures vary depending on the context. In some areas, the dominant structure may lean toward a ‘right-wing’ ideology, while in others, it may be ‘left-wing.’ There are also instances where no distinct ideological wing holds sway, yet the societal framework remains firm.

The joke that has embroiled Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina in controversy touched upon a highly sensitive issue—social taboos, particularly incest. The backlash stems from how deeply entrenched such taboos are within societal norms. Now, if you personally believe that there should be no social taboos and that actions should only be categorized as legal or illegal, you might view the outrage as “absurd and unwanted.” However, the reality is that certain topics—like violence, sex, morality, and death—carry deep cultural and psychological significance. Jokes on these topics do not typically promote illegal behavior unless they explicitly call for it, but they do challenge the norms that society uses to define acceptable behavior.

The challenge with taboos is that they lack the clear, objective framework of laws. “Taboos differ from one group to another, even from one individual to another.” A comedian might believe that a dark, morbid joke is nothing more than harmless entertainment with no intention to undermine any social idea. However, jokes rarely remain neutral. Humor, particularly when it broaches taboo topics, often chips away at deeply rooted beliefs and structures.

Take the subject of incest, for example. Most people would find it deeply disturbing to see such a topic treated casually or as a source of humor. It shakes the foundation of a core societal institution—the family. There may be a small minority, especially within certain ideological frameworks, who dismiss the family as a toxic construct. “Obviously, if you are a woke who thinks family itself is a toxic concept, you’d not care.” However, the vast majority of society holds the family structure in high regard and will react defensively to protect it.

This reaction is not an overreaction. When I say "they"—meaning society as a collective—it’s important to clarify that while certain individuals may indeed overreact or even feign outrage, the general response is entirely natural. The familiar rebuttal from liberal or woke circles—“Is your religion/nation so weak that it will get hurt by some joke/movie?”—is, in essence, just a clever line with no real weight as an argument. The truth is that ideas can indeed be weakened through words, often subtly and gradually.

A religion, a nation, or any ideology is, at its core, a collection of ideas. Words, whether used in humor or criticism, have the power to erode those ideas. Ironically, the same people who dismiss concerns about jokes weakening societal values are often the first to push for censorship when their own beliefs are threatened. They justify restrictions in the name of combating hate speech, racism, or sexism to protect their own ideological narratives.

For professional comedians, the reality is harsh: “you can’t really have the luxury of not being scrutinized like this.” Unlike a group of college students who may spew profanities at a wild party and forget it the next morning, comedians cannot operate in the same carefree manner. In today’s age of modern technology, nothing remains private. Even a so-called closed-door event can be exposed within moments. The digital world does not allow for the kind of temporary indiscretion that might be excused among friends in a secluded setting.

A recent voice note attributed to Samay Raina—shared on social media platform X—offers insight into his mindset. In the note, Raina, whose YouTube show sparked the current scandal, is heard saying, “comedy has no responsibility.” It appears to be a response to someone questioning the vulgar content on his shows. He continues by explaining that “comedy is to take you away from the reality and to make you have fun,” emphasizing that people already carry numerous burdens in their lives and need an outlet to unwind and enjoy themselves.

However, whether he realizes it or not, Raina’s statement contradicts itself. By claiming that comedy serves to relieve stress and provide a mental escape, he is implicitly acknowledging a significant responsibility: helping others manage their emotional well-being. After all, many people turn to professional therapy or medical assistance to cope with stress and anxiety. Comedy, therefore, carries an inherent duty if it seeks to fulfill this purpose. “He then can’t go on to say comedy has no responsibility. He himself only took on one.”

Raina’s approach, as evidenced by his acts, seems rooted in the idea of having fun without boundaries—akin to a gathering of intoxicated friends enjoying crude humor. At a fundamental level, there is nothing inherently wrong with this. In fact, some of his performances display a sharp sense of timing and comedic talent. The author of the criticism even admits, “I actually liked some of his jokes/acts (I discovered him only after this outrage – yes, I’m getting old); he has a good sense of timing and perhaps no sense of filter, which has caused the trouble now.” Despite the backlash, there is no call here for extreme punishment. “I for sure won’t want him or Ranveer jailed,” but there is a clear message: comedians must understand that their craft will always face scrutiny.

Even in a casual party scenario, social responsibility kicks in when certain boundaries are crossed. “In fact, even a group of drunk college friends would stop their wild party if an underage kid were to pass by – well at least most of them I hope would still be in their senses to do that.” The analogy highlights a key issue in today’s digital landscape. Children and other vulnerable audiences can easily gain access to inappropriate content thanks to modern technology. This exposure is far from harmless. It demands a dual response: platforms and governments need to implement effective regulations, but content creators also bear the responsibility of being conscious of their impact.

Rather than resorting to drastic measures such as jailing comedians or banning their content outright, a balanced solution is necessary. Tech platforms should take proactive steps to limit harmful exposure, while creators need to acknowledge their influence and adjust accordingly. Ultimately, this controversy serves as a reminder of an undeniable truth: “It’s time to realize that comedy is indeed a serious business.”

B Praak Slams Ranveer Allahbadia

The backlash against Ranveer Allahbadia continues to intensify as popular singer B Praak, who was scheduled to appear on Ranveer’s podcast, publicly announced his decision to withdraw. Taking to his Instagram handle, B Praak expressed his discontent with Ranveer’s controversial remarks. In a comment on an Instagram post, the singer wrote, “I was about to go on Ranveer’s podcast but now i will not after his pathetic thinking and words dosto dekhlo yeh wohi hai. Who promotes Sanatan Dharam and talks about spirituality hats off to his thinking about parents and spoiling our Indian culture. Chose your Idols carefully.” B Praak's statement has resonated with many who feel betrayed by Allahbadia's hypocrisy in presenting himself as a promoter of Indian values while engaging in vulgar humor.

Politicians Demand Action

The controversy has managed to bridge political divides, as leaders from various parties have united in their call for strict action against Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina. One prominent voice has been Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who took to his X handle to address Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly. Gogoi’s post emphasized the need for accountability regarding public endorsements by the nation’s leader. He wrote, “I hope PM Modi will look more closely at the people he has endorsed publicly and on social media. In his personal life, he is welcome to support whoever he likes, but the Prime Minister of India must be expected to be more responsible.”

Gogoi’s statement referred to Ranveer receiving the prestigious ‘Disruptor of the Year’ award from PM Modi during the National Creators Award ceremony in March last year. Many critics have questioned the appropriateness of this honor given Ranveer’s recent behavior.

Similarly, Priyanka Chaturvedi, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and a member of the Standing Committee for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, expressed her concerns about the growing trend of vulgar content disguised as comedy. Chaturvedi posted on X, “Any abusive language in the name of comedy content crosses limits is not acceptable . You get a platform, that doesn’t mean that you will utter anything. He is someone with millions of subscribers, every political has sat in his podcast. PM has given him an award. As a member of standing committee of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, I will raise this issue.”

These political reactions indicate the high stakes surrounding the conduct of social media influencers and the impact of their content on national discourse.

Influential Figures Criticize Ranveer and Samay

Prominent business leaders and influencers have also joined the wave of criticism. Dr. A Velumani, founder of Thyrocare, condemned the vulgar content in a post on his X handle. He stated, “I repeat it is not comedy. It is vulgarity. Good it busted. Comedians Crossing all Limits of Decency. Do not laugh at disgusting content. #RanveerAllahbadia should be boycotted. Such channels should be banned.” Velumani's blunt remarks reflect a growing sentiment that platforms need to take stronger action against content creators who cross lines of decency.

Fitness influencer and popular YouTuber Gaurav Taneja, also known as Flying Beast, took a more sarcastic approach. He posted, “Seems like #SamayRaina won’t stop until he gets all of YouTube India canceled.” Taneja’s comment highlights the potential damage such controversies can inflict on the reputation of the broader creator community on YouTube.

FIRs and Summons Filed Against YouTubers

The ongoing controversy has escalated further, with multiple FIRs and police summons filed against Ranveer Allahbadia and other influencers involved in the episode. The Assam Police registered a case against Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and fellow participants, including Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija, for promoting obscenity. This development was confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, emphasizing the seriousness with which authorities are handling the matter.

In addition, complaints have been lodged with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the Maharashtra Women’s Commission. The complainants allege that the show featured abusive language and obscene comments about women. As a result, the Mumbai Police have summoned both Ranveer and Samay for questioning.

While Ranveer Allahbadia has already issued a public apology for his remarks, Samay Raina has remained silent on the issue so far. Raina is currently in the United States, touring for his comedy show. He recently performed at the San Jose Civic in California and shared pictures from the event. His upcoming performances are scheduled for Washington DC on February 13 and New Jersey on February 14. The lack of a response from him has only added to the controversy’s momentum.

Debate Over Government Intervention

Though the majority of the public has condemned the YouTubers, some voices have raised concerns about the state’s involvement in regulating artistic expression. The founder of CAREERS 360 took to LinkedIn to defend Samay Raina’s show, stating, “Samay Raina’s show was a comedy show. It was for members only. The members were paid members. It was subscription based. There wasn’t any threat. It was not forced. There was no hate. People paid to hear such comedy. The language used is regularly spoken on the streets. No one in the audience complained. No one was abused. None was hurt.”

The founder criticized the state’s interference in the matter, arguing that such actions set a dangerous precedent. “It is time we draw a line where the state can use its force against any speech. Especially, when it is in comedy or any other art form. When we become the cheer leaders for such state intervention, the fine line will someday get extended and devour us too,” he warned. This perspective highlights the ongoing tension between the freedom of expression and societal boundaries of decency.

Mumbai Police Launch Inquiry

In response to the complaints, the Mumbai Police have initiated an investigation into the incident. On Monday, a formal complaint prompted police officers to visit the studio in Khar where the controversial episode of India’s Got Latent was filmed. By Tuesday evening, a police team also visited Ranveer Allahbadia’s residence to further the inquiry.

The complaint targets Ranveer Allahbadia, show host Samay Raina, influencer Apoorva Makhija, and the show’s organizers. Authorities are investigating whether the content crossed legal limits on decency and obscenity. This inquiry underscores the growing pressure on the YouTubers and their associates to account for the controversial remarks made on the show.

Ranveer Allahbadia Issues Public Apology

Facing immense backlash, Ranveer Allahbadia released a public apology on Monday, calling the entire incident a “lapse in judgment.” In a video message posted on his social media accounts, Ranveer reflected on the criticism he had received and expressed remorse. He acknowledged his failure to uphold the standards expected of him as an influencer.

“Many of you asked if this how I wish to use my platform. Obviously, this is not how I wish to use my platform,” he stated. He made it clear that he would not offer any excuses or context for his behavior, emphasizing that his sole intention was to apologize. “I am not going to give any context, justification or reasoning behind whatever happened. I am just here for an apology. I, personally, had a lapse in judgement. It wasn't cool on my part,” Ranveer said in the video.

Ranveer also expressed his commitment to improving the content he produces, vowing to “use this platform better” going forward. His apology has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding his accountability while others remain skeptical of his sincerity. Regardless, the controversy has put his reputation and career under intense scrutiny, with the future of his collaborations and platform hanging in the balance.

When Ranveer Allahbadia Opened Up About His Alcohol and Marijuana Addiction: "Maine addiction ke sath bauhat deal kiya..."

Ranveer Allahbadia, a name well-known to millions of aspiring entrepreneurs, content creators, and youth across the globe, has built his career on the pillars of motivation, personal growth, and success stories. Through his podcasts and YouTube content, Ranveer has shared countless lessons on life, business, and mental well-being. However, in a deeply personal revelation, he once spoke about his struggles with addiction to alcohol and marijuana—an aspect of his life that profoundly shaped his journey.

Ranveer's experimentation with alcohol began at the age of 17. Like many teenagers, curiosity led him to his first drink, but this seemingly harmless experience quickly escalated into a serious problem. By the time he entered his college years, heavy drinking had become a regular part of his life. “I failed in my first year of college,” Ranveer admitted, acknowledging the consequences of his addiction. This failure marked a crucial turning point, forcing him to confront his harmful habits and take control of his life.

Alcohol wasn’t his only battle. Between the ages of 22 and 24, Ranveer also experimented with marijuana, which further complicated his path. His addictive tendencies seemed to be steering him toward a destructive future until he encountered Manish Pandey, a mentor who introduced him to meditation and a disciplined lifestyle. Ranveer credits this relationship with helping him transform his mindset and habits.

In one of his podcasts, he opened up about his struggles, saying, "Maine khudki life mein addiction ke sath bauhat deal kiya hai. Meri addictive personality hai. Bad addiction se good addiction ke transformation mein maine bauhat kuch cheezein seekhi hai." He emphasized the importance of willpower in overcoming addiction. “First, aap bauhat he addicted ho koi cheez se toh wo aapko weak banati hai. Aapko bass apne aap ko overcome karna hai uss moment. Agar aap pehli baar mind ko bol do ki nahi mujhe nahi karna... mujhe ganja nahi phookna toh aapka mind strong ho jata hai,” he explained, encouraging others to break free from their dependencies.

By 2018, Ranveer had made significant progress in overcoming his addictions. He replaced hard drinking with moderate consumption of beer and wine before eventually giving up alcohol altogether. “When I quit drinking in 2018, I had switched from hard drinking from rum and vodka to beer and wine then I finally cut off,” he shared, reflecting on his journey toward self-improvement.

However, despite his past growth, Ranveer now finds himself mired in a controversy over inappropriate remarks made on Samay Raina’s show India’s Got Latent. His indecent comment about parents’ intimate moments has sparked widespread outrage, leading to multiple FIRs being filed against him, Raina, and others associated with the show. Political leaders and the public have condemned the vulgar content, tarnishing the image he had worked hard to rebuild.

“Crossed Limits, Need To Be Punished”: Shiv Sena Leader on Ranveer Allahbadia

The criticism against Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina has continued to mount, with Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande joining the chorus of voices calling for strict action. Speaking to news agency ANI, Kayande expressed her disapproval of the obscene content, labeling it as "vulgar comedy." She emphasized that the comedians had gone too far and deserved punishment for their actions. “Time and again people have been speaking for censorship for OTT platforms and such YouTubers and comedians. It was vulgar comedy. I think they have crossed all limits. Such people need to be punished. There should be censorship on them,” Kayande asserted.

This statement echoes the sentiments of many who feel that the boundaries of decency have been repeatedly violated under the guise of comedy. The calls for greater censorship on digital platforms have gained momentum, with growing demands to regulate content that is seen as offensive or harmful to societal values.

Women's Panel Demands Action Against Obscene Content Amid Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy

As the outrage over Ranveer Allahbadia’s indecent remarks intensifies, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has stepped in to demand stricter control over obscene content on social media and OTT platforms. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has urged Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to implement stringent censorship and content moderation measures to curb inappropriate material.

In a letter to the Minister, Rahatkar outlined the Commission’s concerns about the legal violations such content entails. According to the NCW, the content in question breaches multiple laws, including “the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology (IT) Act, among others.” The Commission emphasized that such material "not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also poses a direct threat to the safety and dignity of women and children."

The NCW has called for immediate intervention, asking the Ministry to issue clear and enforceable guidelines to prevent platforms from streaming or allowing the upload of obscene content. The goal, according to the Commission, is to ensure that the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children, are protected from exposure to harmful media. This appeal underscores the growing concern about the unchecked influence of digital platforms and the urgent need for stronger oversight.

'India Got Latent' Episode Featuring Ranveer Allahbadia Blocked by Government Order

The controversy surrounding Ranveer Allahbadia has led to decisive action from the government. The episode of India Got Latent, hosted by Samay Raina, in which Allahbadia made offensive remarks, has been removed from YouTube on official orders.

Kanchan Gupta, Senior Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, confirmed the move in a statement posted on X. “The 'India Has Latent' episode on @YouTube with obscene and perverse comments by Ranveer Allahbadia has been blocked following Government of India orders,” Gupta wrote, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are handling the situation.

The blocking of the episode is part of a broader crackdown on content that is deemed inappropriate or harmful. This incident has fueled discussions on the responsibilities of content creators and the need for digital platforms to adopt stronger content moderation policies. As public outrage continues to grow, it remains to be seen how platforms and creators will adapt to the heightened scrutiny surrounding their content.