Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, known for his channel BeerBiceps, recently appeared as a panellist on the edgy show India’s Got Latent, hosted by Samay Raina. However, his appearance has sparked controversy, with many calling out his inappropriate jokes and offensive remarks. The internet has been quick to criticize Ranveer, and there are growing calls to regulate online shows like Latent, which streams on YouTube.
India’s Got Latent features Samay Raina and a group of celebrity judges who score contestants based on their performances. Contestants must predict their score, and if they get it right, they win. The show has garnered both praise and criticism for its dark humor, use of profanity, and casual format.
In the latest episode, Ranveer Allahbadia made a controversial comment while grilling a contestant. He asked, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day or join them to finish it once and for all?” While the joke was met with cheers from Samay and the other panellists, viewers on the internet were not amused. One Twitter user expressed their shock, writing, “What do I do to unhear that horrible Ranveer Allahbadia clip?”
The backlash continued, with one user referencing Ranveer’s previous recognition as ‘Disruptor of the Year’ at the National Creator Awards. They questioned whether his offensive comments would lead to the award being revoked, asking, “Will this award be taken back? Or do awards come with no accountability?”
Ranveer’s comments on Kerala’s literacy also fueled anger online. In the episode, he made a joke mocking Kerala’s high literacy rate. A Twitter user pointed out that many of his fake news and hate-mongering videos have been debunked by Malayalees, calling his joke “vulgar.”
Many people on social media are now calling for tighter regulation of shows like India’s Got Latent, which are able to bypass streaming censorship by airing on YouTube. One comment urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to intervene, writing, “Shame on you! Requesting @MIB_India to kindly look into these unfiltered shows spreading vulgarity and cheapness.”
This isn’t the first time India’s Got Latent has faced criticism. The show was previously under scrutiny for a controversial joke about dog meat.
