Comedian Samay Raina has once again landed in controversy. Videos featuring his alleged remarks about Bihar and Kashmiri Pandits from a new episode of India’s Got Latent have gone viral on social media, triggering criticism and protests. BJP MLA Ram Kadam has accused Raina of making controversial statements to gain publicity.
New episode of ‘India’s Got Latent’ sparks controversy
Samay Raina released a new episode of India’s Got Latent Season 2 on Friday. Soon after, some clips from the episode began circulating widely on social media. One of the viral segments features a conversation between Raina and stand-up comedian Sharon Verma about their native places.
Sharon Verma is from Bihar, while Raina comes from a Kashmiri Pandit family. Their conversation over their backgrounds became the focus of the controversy.
Comments on Bihar, Kashmiri Pandits draw criticism
After the clips went viral, several social media users described Raina’s remarks as offensive. Some members of the Kashmiri Pandit community also objected to the comments, saying that communities and regions should not be targeted or mocked in the name of comedy.
The controversy has once again raised questions about the limits of humour and the need for sensitivity when comedians make jokes about a particular region or community.
Ram Kadam says – Controversy is being used to gain publicity
BJP MLA Ram Kadam criticised Samay Raina over his alleged remarks. He said some people deliberately make controversial statements to attract attention and gain publicity. According to Kadam, Sanatan Hindu Dharma and Kashmiri Pandits should not be made the subject of jokes or ridicule.
He further said that simply apologising after making an offensive statement does not free a person from responsibility. By then, he claimed, the controversial remarks have already helped the person gain nationwide publicity.
Archana Puran Singh gives Samay Raina a sharp reply
During the same episode, Samay Raina also took a dig at actress and television personality Archana Puran Singh. A contestant said that besides poetry, he was also involved in dancing, vlogging and rapping.
When vlogging was mentioned, Raina joked about Archana’s family vlogs and said that no talent was required for vlogging. Archana quickly responded, “Giving abuses is a talent.” Her reply was met with applause from the audience.
‘India’s Got Latent’ has faced controversies before
India’s Got Latent and Samay Raina have faced controversies in the past as well. The language and content of the show have repeatedly come under scrutiny.
Recently, Raina also faced criticism after being honoured at an event attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Comedian Sunil Pal had questioned the honour.
The latest controversy has once again sparked a debate on social media over the limits of comedy, particularly when jokes involve a region, community or religious group.
