The controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent appears to be having wider consequences beyond the show itself. Stand-up comedian Samay Raina, the creator of the show, seems to be facing backlash, with his upcoming comedy gigs in Gujarat reportedly being canceled.
Samay Raina’s Gujarat Shows Cancelled: VHP Claims Public Outrage
On Wednesday, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) claimed that Raina’s scheduled performances in Gujarat had been called off following public outrage over remarks made in a recent episode of India’s Got Latent.
According to the VHP, tickets for Raina’s April shows were no longer available for purchase on BookMyShow. Social media influencer Ranveer Allahbadia (31), widely known as BeerBiceps, sparked controversy with his comments on parents and sex during an episode of Raina’s show, which went viral on social media. The remarks led to significant criticism and multiple police complaints in Mumbai and Guwahati.
VHP Gujarat spokesperson Hitendrasinh Rajput stated that Raina had originally planned four shows in the state—one in Surat on April 17, one in Vadodara on April 18, and two in Ahmedabad on April 19 and 20.
“It appears all these four shows have been cancelled due to public outrage against him in Gujarat. Though tickets for these shows were available till morning (of Wednesday) on BookMyShow, it seems they have been now taken down from the portal,” Rajput claimed.
VHP regional secretary Ashvin Patel also issued a statement, asserting that the shows had likely been canceled due to growing discontent. “In view of the anger among people, it appears organisers have cancelled Samay Raina’s upcoming shows in Gujarat. We are thankful to the people of Gujarat for showing such alertness. I also ask organisers to refrain from organising events of such people in Gujarat,” Patel said.
India’s Got Latent Controversy
Ranveer Allahbadia has already issued an apology, calling his remarks a “lapse in judgment”, but the controversy has continued to escalate. On Wednesday, Raina also addressed the issue, announcing on Twitter (now X) that he had removed all episodes of India’s Got Latent and would fully cooperate with authorities.
Additionally, an FIR has been registered against Raina, Allahbadia, and the show’s team for allegedly creating ‘objectionable’ content.
