Popular podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, widely known as BeerBiceps, has landed in hot water over a controversial remark he made on India’s Got Latent, a show hosted by comedian Samay Raina. Following backlash online, the Mumbai Police have initiated an enquiry into the matter.
What happened?
During a recent episode of India’s Got Latent, where Ranveer appeared as a guest alongside content creators Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Mukhija, he asked a contestant an inappropriate question that quickly sparked outrage. While the panel and audience laughed at the moment, the reaction online was anything but forgiving.
On Monday morning, lawyers Ashish Rai and Pankaj Mishra filed a formal complaint with the Mumbai Police, alleging that the remarks were obscene and offensive. Authorities soon visited the Khar-based Habitat building, where the show was recorded, to investigate the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dikshit Gedam confirmed that an enquiry is underway, though no FIR has been registered yet.
The growing backlash
As clips from the episode spread across social media, criticism poured in. Disappointed fans flooded Ranveer’s Instagram comment section, calling his remarks unacceptable. "Shame on you, Ranveer bhai... you lost my respect," one user wrote, garnering hundreds of likes.
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The controversy also caught the attention of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who weighed in on the issue. While acknowledging the right to free speech, he emphasised that it should not come at the cost of societal values. "Everyone has freedom of speech, but that freedom ends when it encroaches upon the rights of others," he stated.
Apology and fallout
Amid mounting pressure, Ranveer took to social media to issue an apology, admitting his comment was inappropriate. "It wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte. I had a lapse in judgement, and I sincerely regret it," he said in a video posted on X.
Despite his apology, the outrage hasn’t subsided. Critics argue that his brand as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur contradicts the kind of humour he engaged in. Meanwhile, discussions on whether such content crosses ethical boundaries continue, with some defending the show as "dark humour" and others calling for stricter content regulation.
Not the first time
This isn’t the first controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent. Earlier this month, contestant Jessy Nabam faced legal action for remarks about eating dog meat. The show has also been criticised for jokes about disabilities, prompting backlash from disability rights activists.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain: Where should the line be drawn between humour and offence? And will India’s Got Latent face consequences similar to those that once shut down AIB? Only time will tell.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.