The recent episode of ‘India’s Got Latent’, which aired on YouTube, has sparked widespread public outrage due to a series of offensive and controversial comments about women. The episode featured YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia along with other participants, leading to a formal complaint and legal scrutiny over the remarks made.
Amid the growing backlash, veteran actor Annu Kapoor has issued a sharp and forthright response, calling for stricter consequences for those who misuse their right to free speech.
In a statement, Kapoor expressed concern over the growing irresponsibility associated with freedom of expression in the digital age.
“The Constitution gives everyone the right to freedom of expression. However, in my opinion, this right should only be granted to those who fulfil their duties towards the country and society,” he said.
Kapoor emphasized that freedom of speech has often been misused in India, leading to societal decay.
“Indians have misused their rights more than anyone else. This is the main reason for our downfall. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry comes and says, ‘I have the right… I have the right to speak.’ But no one thinks about their duty to society. Those who don’t think about this should lose all their rights,” he asserted.
Drawing attention to the potential consequences of unchecked speech, Kapoor warned of a scenario where people take matters into their own hands.
“Tomorrow, someone might decide that someone said something bad about their parents… and someone from Chambal might come and shoot them. This will lead to anarchy. It’s possible that some lunatic might come and do this.”
He further stated that obscene and offensive speech should not be up for debate, stressing that strict action should be taken against those responsible.
“Whatever the legal process is in the Constitution, whatever the punishment procedure is, it should be implemented immediately. There’s no need to ask. If punishment is needed, it should be given,” he said.
The Controversy
The remarks made during the ‘India’s Got Latent’ episode, though intended as jokes, were widely perceived as derogatory and offensive, particularly in their focus on women’s private parts. The backlash intensified when a formal complaint was filed with both the Mumbai Commissioner and the Maharashtra Women’s Commission.
The complaint alleges that the accused, including Ranveer Allahbadia, social media influencer Apoorva Makhija, comedian Samay Raina, and the show’s organizers, used obscene language that demeaned and humiliated women.
According to the complainant, the primary motive behind these remarks was to gain popularity and financial profit through the episode’s global broadcast on YouTube. The complaint also raised concerns about the negative influence on young audiences, particularly minors, who may have been exposed to the content without any safeguards.
Political and Social Reactions
The controversy has drawn strong reactions from political and social figures, calling for action against those involved.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the issue, saying:
“I have come to know about it. I have not seen it yet. Things have been said and presented in a wrong way. Everyone has freedom of speech, but our freedom ends when we encroach upon the freedom of others. In our society, we have made some rules, if someone violates them, it is absolutely wrong, and action should be taken against them.”
#WATCH | Mumbai: On controversy over YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on a show, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, “I have come to know about it. I have not seen it yet. Things have been said and presented in a wrong way. Everyone has freedom of speech but our freedom… pic.twitter.com/yXKcaWJWDD
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2025
Rekha Sharma, former chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) and Rajya Sabha MP, also condemned the remarks, calling them “very shocking.”
“Whether it is a female or a male, this kind of joke is never accepted by society. Making jokes about a mother or a female’s body doesn’t look good and somewhere it shows how today’s youth has stooped down to such a level morally,” she stated.
Additionally, Shiv Sena spokesperson Raju Wagamare issued a stern warning, making it clear that such language would not be tolerated in Maharashtra, a state known for its rich cultural heritage.
“In the state of Maharashtra, under the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, such language will not be tolerated. They should stop all this immediately; otherwise, we will take action in our own style,” he warned.
As the controversy continues to unfold, legal and social action against the accused remains a key point of discussion.
