Stand-up comedian Samay Raina channeled honesty over pure humor during a recent performance in Delhi for his new show, Still Alive & Unfiltered. The highly anticipated comeback turned emotional as Raina addressed the elephant in the room: the massive controversy and legal battles surrounding his popular YouTube show, India’s Got Latent.
While the audience expected a night of wit, they received a raw, heartfelt confession from the comedian, who spoke openly about the mental toll the controversy took on him, touching upon his childhood, friendships, family, and the unique pressure of being a public figure.
The Return of India’s Got Latent
A key focus of his discussion was the pervasive fear of backlash and legal trouble that constrains comedians in India. However, the emotional highlight of the evening came when Samay made a major announcement regarding the future of his controversial digital property.
Samay Raina (to the audience): “Show toh main wapas launga.” (I will bring back the show.)
The statement, confirming the return of India’s Got Latent for a second season, was met with loud cheers and enthusiasm from the crowd.
Controversy and Apology
India’s Got Latent faced nationwide backlash and multiple FIRs after podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia made an inappropriate and explicit comment to a contestant on an episode. The controversy also dragged co-panellists Apoorva Mukhija and Ashish Chanchlani into the storm, forcing the show to be removed from YouTube under a government directive.
Raina himself previously filed an unconditional apology before the Supreme Court for earlier remarks made on the show that were perceived as ridiculing persons with disabilities and rare genetic disorders.
In his affidavit, Samay stated he never intended to belittle anyone and pledged a commitment to “inclusive and sensitive content creation,” acknowledging that “even mimicry, when involving sensitive characteristics, must be approached with greater care and social awareness.”
With his latest show, Raina appears to be embracing a more personal and reflective style, promising a renewed mindset as fans now eagerly await updates on the return of India’s Got Latent.