India's Got Latent has stirred significant controversy since it began streaming on YouTube in 2022 and later switched to a subscription-based model. The show, hosted by comedian Samay Raina and Balraj Singh Ghai, has sparked debates over its edgy "dark humour" and roast-style comedy.
While some viewers enjoy the unconventional comedic approach, others have raised concerns over the show's use of crude and offensive jokes. The series has faced significant backlash for crossing boundaries, particularly regarding gender sexualisation, objectification of women, and insensitive humour.
India's Got Latent and its controversies
The latest episode featuring Samay, YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia (Beer Biceps), Ashish Chanchlani, Apoorva Mukhija (Rebel Kid), and Jaspreet Singh has become a hot topic. The show has been accused of promoting vulgarity and obscenity under the guise of comedy, drawing attention to its questionable content.
When Deepika Padukone's depression was mocked
In one episode, a female contestant made a controversial remark about Deepika Padukone's depression, comparing it to her own post-partum experience.
Banti Banerjee, the contestant in question, said, "Deepika Padukone also became a mother recently. Now she knows what depression really looks like."
The comment, which was meant to be a joke, received mixed reactions on social media, with some calling it disrespectful to those struggling with mental health issues.
Joke on indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh
Another controversy arose when Jessy Nabam, a contestant from Arunachal Pradesh, was targeted for her comments about consuming dog meat. In response to a question about dog meat consumption, she remarked, “People from Arunachal Pradesh often consume dog meat, although I personally haven’t. I know this because my friends do, and sometimes they even eat their pets.”
The remark sparked outrage, leading to an FIR being filed against her.
When Urfi Javed walked out of Samay Raina's show
Urfi Javed, another influencer and panelist, walked off the show after a contestant questioned her "body count" and compared her to adult actress Mia Khalifa.
Expressing her displeasure on Instagram, Urfi said, "People think it’s cool to abuse someone or just s**t shame someone for some views... I’m not ok with anyone abusing me." She criticised the contestant for faking a disability and for the subsequent shaming she experienced on stage.
Female contestant allows man to cut her outfit on stage
Controversy further intensified when contestant Priyanka Halder allowed her friend Mohammad Adil to cut her dress on stage as part of a “playful” act. Many online criticised the performance as "disgusting" and "cheap," especially after sexual jokes were made about the contestants. Priyanka, who later revealed she is married with a 15-year-old son, faced significant online backlash.
Insensitive Jokes
During another episode, Samay Raina made insensitive jokes about comedian Madhur Virli's father's death, calling it “a heart attack” with a casual tone. This was met with criticism from viewers, who deemed it inappropriate and disrespectful.
Samay also mocked a contestant who had to leave the show upon learning of her father’s heart attack, provoking further backlash for the insensitivity shown.
Racist Remarks
Finally, a racial controversy erupted when comedian Jaspreet Singh made a comment stereotyping people from Kerala. Referring to the state's literacy rate, he said, "Kerala saar, 100% literacy saar," which many viewers found offensive, leading to accusations of racism.
The show’s controversial content continues to divide audiences, raising questions about where the line between comedy and insensitivity should be drawn.