Comedian Samay Raina has found himself at the centre of another controversy after an exchange with stand-up comedian Sharon Verma on the latest episode of India’s Got Latent drew criticism online and from BJP leaders.
Verma, who is from Bihar, and Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit, traded jokes about their respective roots during the episode. While the exchange appeared to be framed as banter between the two comedians, some viewers objected to the remarks, particularly Raina’s comments about Kashmiri identity.
How did the Samay Raina-Sharon Verma banter begin?
The exchange began when Raina praised Verma before turning the conversation into a joke about her Bihari background.
Raina joked that Verma was “so Bihari” that she associated the word “Ebola” with someone saying something. Verma responded with a joke about Raina’s Kashmiri roots, saying that he was “so Kashmiri” that he “loves getting stoned.”
The back-and-forth continued, with Raina joking about Verma moving from Bihar to Mumbai in search of a job.
Verma responded by pointing to her choice to leave Bihar, turning the exchange into a comparison of their experiences and origins.
The episode also featured actor and television personality Archana Puran Singh and social media personality Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, on the panel.
BJP leader criticises Samay Raina
The remarks drew criticism from BJP MLA Ram Kadam, who argued that Kashmiri Pandits should not be treated as subjects of ridicule.
Kadam alleged that some people deliberately make controversial statements to attract attention and publicity. He said that religious figures and Kashmiri Pandits should not be used as targets for jokes and argued that an apology after an offensive remark does not erase the publicity generated by the controversy.
His criticism has added a political dimension to the debate surrounding the episode.
Samay Raina’s previous controversies
This is not the first time Raina’s comedy content has sparked a major controversy.
In February 2025, India’s Got Latent came under intense scrutiny following controversial remarks made by guest Ranveer Allahbadia during an episode. The incident triggered widespread public backlash, multiple FIRs and legal proceedings.
Raina subsequently announced the return of India’s Got Latent, with episodes from its second season released on YouTube.
The comedian also recently received relief from the Supreme Court, which quashed FIRs against Raina and four others over alleged insensitive jokes concerning persons with disabilities on the show.
The latest controversy has once again placed India’s Got Latent and Raina’s style of humour under public scrutiny, with debate continuing over where comedic banter ends and offensive stereotyping begins.
