Indian stand-up comedian Samay Raina has recently found himself at the center of a significant controversy following remarks made on his show, "India’s Got Latent." Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Raina expressed his solidarity with the Indian Armed Forces through heartfelt posts on social media. His latest updates came after Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on various locations in Jammu on May 8, 2025.
On the evening of May 8, Raina shared an emotional late-night call with his father, who is currently in Jammu. He recounted how his father’s calm voice eased his worries about the safety of his family. In his Instagram stories, Raina wrote, "My father calls me one last time tonight from Jammu to say goodnight. His voice, steady and calm, urges me to sleep and not worry—the Indian armed forces have everything under control. His calmness quiets my restless thoughts. I switch off the lights in my Mumbai home and walk to the window to draw the curtains."
Raina’s reflections did not stop there. He continued, "Outside my window, my neighbour's lights still glow. I know little about him, that’s just how it is here. I wonder if he, too, has family in Jammu, perhaps in Pathankot or if he might be the son of a brave soldier, who won’t sleep tonight, waiting for a morning call from his father on the front lines. My utmost respect to the armed forces and their families for all the sacrifices they make for our safety. Goodnight. Jai Hind." His words resonated with many, highlighting both his personal concern and a broader respect for the sacrifices made by military families.
The attacks on May 8 were part of a larger conflict that escalated after India conducted Operation Sindoor, targeting several terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of the same day. This military operation was launched in retaliation for a previous attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 individuals on April 22, 2025. Following the drone and missile strikes, India’s S-400 defense systems successfully intercepted the threats, ensuring the safety of critical locations, including the Jammu civil airport, Samba, RS Pura, and military stations.
Raina’s sentiments were echoed by veteran actor Anupam Kher, who also took to social media to share a reassuring message from his cousin in Jammu. Kher wrote, "My cousin brother Sunil Kher sent this video from his home in Jammu. I immediately called and asked if he and his family were okay. He laughed a little proudly and said, ‘Bhaiya! We are in India! We are Indians. Our protection is being taken care of by the Indian Army and Mata Vaishno Devi. You don’t worry. Anyway, we’re not letting a single missile touch the ground here.’ Jai Mata Di! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!"
These developments come amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with recent reports indicating that India successfully repelled multiple Pakistani strikes across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, while enforcing a blackout along much of the western border. The Indian Army confirmed that they effectively repulsed the overnight attacks, stating that Pakistan launched multiple assaults using drones and other munitions on the intervening night of May 8 and 9, 2025.
The situation remains precarious, with cross-border shelling reported in Jammu and Kashmir’s Uri area, which resulted in one woman’s death and left another injured. In response to the escalating conflict, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to meet with the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), to review the security situation.
As the conflict continues, Raina’s emotional call with his father serves as a poignant reminder of the personal impacts of war and conflict. His posts not only reflect his concern for his family but also a broader call for unity and respect for the armed forces. He concluded his messages with another heartfelt plea, stating, "My prayers are with everyone in Jammu. Sleep peacefully and believe in the Indian army. Jai Hind."
In a time when social media plays a significant role in shaping public sentiment, Raina’s expressions of solidarity resonate deeply with many Indians who are navigating the complexities of familial ties and national pride amid ongoing military tensions. His reflections underscore the human element behind the headlines, reminding us all of the sacrifices made by those who serve and their families who await their safe return.
