India’s Got Latent: An Overview and Controversy
India’s Got Latent was a Hindi-language talent show hosted by Samay Raina on YouTube, which provided a unique platform for contestants from across India to showcase their hidden talents. This show, inspired by the international Got Talent franchise and Kill Tony, featured a wide range of acts including singing, dancing, magic, comedy, and more. Alongside the performances, the show’s panel of judges would critique the contestants, often incorporating humor into their feedback. However, the show came to an abrupt end following a controversy surrounding inappropriate comments made by guest judges, leading Samay Raina to remove all episodes from YouTube in February 2025.
History of India’s Got Latent
Launched on June 14, 2024, on Samay Raina’s YouTube channel, India’s Got Latent quickly gained popularity for its format, which allowed people from all parts of India to demonstrate their hidden abilities. The show’s primary attraction was its diverse pool of talent, featuring individuals from varied backgrounds, not just traditional performers but also unique and unconventional talents.
However, the show was taken down on February 12, 2025, after controversial remarks made by guest judges led to widespread backlash, prompting Raina to privatize all episodes.
Format of the Show
The format of India’s Got Latent followed a structure similar to other Got Talent shows but with a unique twist. Contestants performed in front of a panel of judges, who critiqued their acts while incorporating humor and often playful cross-questions. The judges were typically well-known personalities from the entertainment industry, and their feedback was integral to the contestants’ journey.
One distinctive feature of the show was its contestant rating system. Before each performance, participants rated themselves, and if their self-rating matched the judges’ average score after the performance, they were declared the winner. This added an interesting dynamic, as it encouraged contestants to reflect on their performances.
Judges and Hosts
The show was hosted by Samay Raina, and the judging panel featured a range of celebrities, including comedians, actors, and influencers from India’s entertainment industry. Some notable judges included Balraj Singh Ghai, Raftaar, Badshah, and Urfi Javed. In addition to the core judges, various guest judges and hosts contributed to the overall vibe of the show.
Popular Contestants
India’s Got Latent showcased a variety of talented contestants, some of whom became famous in their own right due to the exposure they received. Contestants like Naman Arora, Keshav Jha, and Deepak Yadav (DDSRY) were among the most talked-about figures from the show.
Show’s Reception
The show was widely praised for providing a platform to contestants from diverse backgrounds, especially those who might have been overlooked by mainstream talent competitions. It was lauded for its ability to bring out the hidden, often regional, talent of India. India’s Got Latent was recognized in DNA’s list of top crazy YouTube shows in 2024, further cementing its success.
The show also became a profitable venture, earning an estimated ₹1.5 crore monthly through YouTube memberships and ads. However, despite its popularity, India’s Got Latent faced several controversies during its run.
Controversies
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Rakhi Sawant vs Maheep Singh: In a particularly heated moment, actress Rakhi Sawant threw a chair at comedian Maheep Singh during an episode after a verbal altercation. This led to a backlash from viewers, though the scene was later edited out before the episode aired.
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Offensive Remarks on Disabilities: In Episode 6 of Season 1, some judges made derogatory comments about disabled people during contestant Santosh Patra’s performance. This sparked outrage from viewers and critics alike.
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Controversial Remarks by Banti Banerjee: Contestant Banti Banerjee made jokes that targeted Deepika Padukone’s past struggles with depression, which many deemed insensitive. Samay Raina responded to the backlash with a dismissive post, which only fueled the outrage.
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Incident with Urfi Javed: In another episode, contestant remarks about Urfi Javed, calling her derogatory names and making inappropriate comments about her, led to a confrontation that forced Urfi to leave the stage. The show’s main judge, Samay Raina, did not intervene, and Balraj Ghai had to step in to replace her for the remaining performances.
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Racist Remarks and National Backlash: Some of the most severe controversies involved racist jokes. One contestant, Jessy Nabam from Arunachal Pradesh, made remarks about her community’s consumption of dog meat, leading to an FIR being filed against her. Similarly, comedian Jaspreet Singh’s racist joke about Kerala angered Malayalis across social media, sparking outrage and protests.
The Controversial Incident with Ranveer Allahbadia and Apoorva Mukhija
The most significant controversy came in Bonus Episode 6 when guest judge Ranveer Allahbadia (also known as BeerBiceps) made an extremely inappropriate and offensive remark about incest during a cross-questioning session with a contestant. Allahbadia’s remark triggered widespread outrage, leading to a police complaint against him for promoting obscenity. The backlash intensified as people criticized Samay Raina for not intervening and removing the offensive segment from the episode.
Following this incident, Samay Raina removed all episodes of India’s Got Latent from YouTube on February 12, 2025. A police inquiry was initiated, and an FIR was filed against the individuals involved in the controversy. The incident gained national attention, with political figures, including the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Assam, commenting on the issue.
Aftermath and Impact
The controversy surrounding the show reached a fever pitch, with some blaming it on the show’s attempt to mimic Western humor, which had become increasingly popular among Indian youth. While others argued that the outrage was being overblown to divert attention from more pressing national issues like unemployment and pollution.
In the wake of the controversy, social media influencers, including Apoorva Mukhija, faced threats, including rape and murder threats, for their participation in the episode. This led to further public outcry.
Additionally, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was urged to regulate digital content, such as podcasts and YouTube shows, following the backlash against India’s Got Latent. This debate sparked a larger discussion about the role of content creators in maintaining responsible behavior and ethics while creating content for mass audiences.
India’s Got Latent was a bold and ambitious project that sought to bring India’s hidden talent to the forefront. While it succeeded in offering a platform to unique performers, it ultimately faced severe criticism over the actions of its judges and guests. Despite its removal from YouTube, the show’s legacy lives on as a reminder of how talent-based entertainment needs to be balanced with sensitivity and responsibility, especially in an era where digital content is consumed by millions.