YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, social media influencer Apoorva Makhija, comedian Samay Raina, and the organizers of the show ‘India’s Got Latent’ are in trouble following a police complaint filed by two lawyers. The complaint pertains to a series of allegedly controversial and offensive remarks made on the show. The complaint, filed by Advocates Ashish Rai and Pankaj Mishra on February 10, has been filed with both the Mumbai police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar and the National Women’s Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar. It alleges that extremely abusive language was used on the show. The police are inquiring into the complaint prior to registering an FIR.
The controversy began when Ranveer appeared as a guest on Samay Raina’s show, ‘India’s Got Latent.’ During one of the segments, he asked a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?” This remark did not sit well with social media users, who strongly criticized the YouTuber, calling his comment outright disgusting and indecent.
Adv Rai told the FPJ on Monday: “We have demanded the registration of an FIR. All those associated with the show need to be prosecuted. What kind of message are they sending to children and society?” He alleged that obscene comments were made against parents, women, and their bodies during the show.
The recording took place at a studio ‘The Habitat’ in Khar West. A team from Khar police arrived at the studio to conduct an inquiry. Dixit Gedam, deputy commissioner of police (Zone 9), stated, “An inquiry is ongoing.” Another police officer confirmed an FIR will be registered after the probe.
In response to the severe backlash, Allahbadia issued an unconditional apology on Monday afternoon for his remark. Ranveer pleaded for forgiveness and assured that the sections containing the controversial remarks had been removed from the full video. Taking to his X handle, he shared a video apologizing to netizens. “My comment was not just inappropriate; it was not even funny. Comedy is not my forte. I am just here to say sorry,” he said.
He further added, “Many of you asked if this is how I wish to use my platform, and obviously, this is not how I wish to use it. I am not going to give any context, justification, or reasoning behind what happened. I am just here to apologize.”
Ranveer continued, “I personally had a lapse in judgment. It wasn not cool on my part. The podcast is watched by people of all ages, and I do not want to take that responsibility lightly. Family is the last thing I would ever disrespect. I need to use this platform better. That is my learning from this experience. I promise to improve. I have asked the makers of the video to remove the insensitive sections. I am sorry I hope you forgive me as a human being.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also condemned the content of the show, assuring that “strict action” will be taken against the persons concerned. “Certain things have been said and presented in a very wrong manner, as I have come to know. This is absolutely unacceptable. Everyone has the right to freedom of speech, but our freedom ends where we encroach upon someone else’s freedom. This is not right. I believe that even an expression has its limits. In our society, we have made rules against obscene content. If someone crosses the line, action would be taken against them,” Fadnavis said.
Shaina NC, leader of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), expressed her outrage, stating, “Allahbadia has a huge number of followers. He should present comedy in a positive way. Why use obscene and vulgar language? This is not freedom of speech; it is an encroachment on others’ rights. My question is, what message are you giving to the youth? Freedom of speech does not mean freedom of vulgarity; it is not fair. We live in a society where people of all ages coexist. We accept comedy talent, but using obscene language is unacceptable.”
She further added, “India has decency, limitations, and culture, and these values must remain forever. The police and Women’s Commission are investigating the matter and will take appropriate action.”
Meanwhile, another criminal complaint has been filed against Allahbadia and other members of the show at the Bandra Magistrate Court for allegedly spreading obscenity and vulgarity. The complaint was filed by a Bandra-based social activist.
Allahbadia’s YouTube channel is extremely popular, and he has conducted interviews with various cabinet ministers and celebrities. Last year, he was one of the online content creators who received a National Creators Award from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event in New Delhi.
The latest episode of ‘India’s Got Latent,’ is hosted by comedian Samay Raina. Digital content creator Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, appeared as a panelist in the episode, where he was seen asking objectionable questions to a contestant. The viral clip has led to outrage on social media, with netizens questioning the limits of freedom of speech and censorship on digital platforms.
