Digital India was abuzz when BeerBiceps, or Ranveer Allahbadia made news for all the wrong reasons after he appeared on the YouTube parody show, India’s Got Latent. Hosted by comedian Samay Raina, the show is known for its racy humour and uncensored take on participants, but Allahbadia’s recent stint has sparked a debate about the line between comedy and the responsibility of influencers in public.
The Incident
Ranveer Allahbadia asks contestant on India’s Got Latent: Watch or Join? During an episode of ‘India’s Got Latent’, Ranveer Allahbadia, who was seen sitting alongside content creators Ashish Chanchlani and Apoorva Mukhija (The Rebel Kid), asked a contestant a question which has left everyone shell-shocked. He asked the contestant, ‘Would you prefer watching your parents have sex for the rest of your life or join once and stop forever? ’ He said this during the show’s dark comedy segment but faced a lot of backlash from viewers and netizens.
Public Reaction
The backlash was swift. Social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), was flooded with users slamming Allahbadia for being vulgar and insensitive. The words ‘pervert’, ‘vulgar’ and ‘disgusting’ were just some of the words associated with his name in public discourse. This sentiment was echoed across platforms with users expressing disappointment in what they perceived as a major lapse in judgement from someone who talks about spirituality and self-improvement on his platforms.
The Role of Influencers
This incident raises pertinent questions about influencers’ role in setting cultural norms and the influence their content has on audiences of all ages. Ranveer Allahbadia has built a loyal fan base by promoting ideas around health, fitness and personal development. His crude humour on ‘India’s Got Latent’ was at odds with his carefully curated persona and led to claims of hypocrisy. Critics argue that influencers should be mindful of content endorsed, especially given their reach among impressionable viewers.
Cultural Critique
It also triggered a larger debate about the state of Indian digital content. When compared to other recent incidents, like jokes about regional stereotypes and eating habits on the same show, it showed a pattern of potentially harmful content. Critics like journalist Neelesh Misra said the kind of humour promotes a culture in which “decency is not incentivised” and creators will stoop to new lows for views and engagement.
Impact on Ranveer Allahbadia’s Image
But for Ranveer Allahbadia, whose podcasts on motivation and fitness are popular, this may be the last straw. Many pointed out that he has been silent since the incident and wondered if he would respond to the controversy or if this would be a change in the way he engages with his followers. Many also took note of the fact that he was awarded the ‘Disruptor of the Year’ award by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024 and wondered if such awards should be given to him anymore.
The Show’s Responsibility
“India’s Got Latent” and host Samay Raina were also slammed for the dark comedy show’s premise, with many urging better content moderation or a ban on certain episodes or segments. The role of the host and creators in filtering content was also discussed, with many urging a more careful approach to comedy that doesn’t exclude or offend a large audience.
Broader Implications for Comedy in India
This incident brings to the fore a larger conversation about comedy in India: where does the line exist, who decides it and how is it enforced? Is India’s comedy scene moving towards inclusiveness and sensitivity or is it regressing back to shock value for virality? Is dark humor even relevant in India, a culturally diverse country where sensitivities vary among communities and age groups?
