Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina are at the center of significant controversy following offensive remarks made during the YouTube show 'India's Got Latent'. Allahbadia's inappropriate joke about parents sparked widespread outrage, leading to legal action from authorities and backlash from notable figures.
During the episode, Allahbadia asked contestants, "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 crass question ignited immediate condemnation, with many calling for the show to be taken down and for stricter measures against its panelists. The complaints were not just limited to online outrage; the Maharashtra Police acted upon several allegations lodged by the public.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis voiced his disapproval of the comment, labeling it unacceptable and demanding accountability. This led to the Guwahati Police filing FIRs under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the cast of 'India's Got Latent', including Raina, Allahbadia, Ashish Chanchlani, and others.
Raina, who hosts the show, remained largely silent during the initial wave of backlash, but he shared photos from his performances on his North American tour, seemingly undeterred by the crisis. He is slated for multiple shows across the continent, including significant stops in Washington D.C. and Toronto. Due to the investigations, there are speculations about possible cancellations of these performances.
After the outrage, Allahbadia issued a public apology stating, "I shouldn’t have said what I said on India’s got latent. I’m sorry. My comment was not appropriate, it wasn't even funny. Comedy is not my forte. I am just here to say sorry." His acknowledgment of wrongdoing arrived too late for many, who had already condemned both him and the show.
The controversy has drawn commentary from various public figures, including filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who referred to the incident as immature but added, “Freedom of speech should not encroach upon the freedom of others.” This sentiment reflects the broader discourse about the responsibility public figures carry when utilizing their platforms, particularly within the entertainment industry.
Comedian Sunil Pal also criticized Raina and Allahbadia, asserting, "Do not call them stand-up comedians. That would be an insult to real stand-up comedy. They are uneducated individuals who should be treated like terrorists.” Pal’s harsh words epitomize the backlash from the art community and public figures alike, emphasizing the expectation for entertainers to maintain standards.
Several influencers and musicians, including B Praak, have decided to distance themselves from Allahbadia and the show, citing concerns over promoting vulgarity. B Praak, who initially planned to appear on Allahbadia's podcast, canceled his participation, expressing disappointment over the incidents surrounding the show.
Given the growing outrage, the National Human Rights Commission has intervened, demanding the removal of the offending episode from YouTube, citing the need to protect Indian cultural values. Multiple complaints have also been lodged with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, underscoring the seriousness of the accusations against the panel.
With the show facing the possibility of being taken off the air and significant legal threats looming over its creators, the question remains: what does this mean for the future of modern Indian comedy and the expectations of creators to tread carefully on sensitive issues?
Samay Raina has yet to comment extensively on the uproar. With the expectations of the public and the law looming, both Raina and Allahbadia are facing crossroads. Their actions going forward could set precedents for the future handling of similar situations within the rapidly changing entertainment industry.