Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia have been facing backlash over controversial comments on India’s Got Latent. Raghu Ram graced the show weeks before the controversy erupted.
Raghu Ram breaks silence amid controversy over India’s Got Latent
Samay Raina hosted show India’s Got Latent has been mired in controversy over Ranveer Allahbadia’s recent comments on the show. Roadies fame Raghu Ram had made a guest appearance on the show weeks before the controversy surrounding Ranveer Allahbadia’s joke on ‘parental sex’. Raghu Ram has now shared a post amid this controversy, stating that he does not regret being a part of India’s Got Latent. He said that he wished the show hadn’t included some jokes, but added that he is nobody to tell Samay Raina or the makers which jokes to keep. He further shared that no comedian has any intention to hurt sentiments, and urged people to keep perspective on the issue, suggesting that it shouldn’t overshadow other more important issues that deserve attention.
In his statement, Raghu Ram wrote, “ I do not regret being part of IGL. I wish the show had not included some jokes that caused such hurt. Sensibilities of a paying audience in a show can differ from a larger youtube audience. I might have kept some jokes out of the episode, but I am nobody to tell Samay or the makers what jokes to keep and which, if any, words to beep. It is their call, and I’m sure they don’t take that responsibility lightly.”
He further added, “Freedom of speech is meaningless without the freedom to offend. Offence is often taken even when none is intended. But of course, I am sorry if I have actually caused hurt to anyone. Comedians push boundaries, call out society and speak truth to power while entertaining. But no comedian sets out to hurt sentiments. And they would be the first to apologise if they did. I do hope society maintains a proper perspective on the scale of this issue compared to others that need more outrage.” In his caption, Raghu wrote that the statement he made are being spun to make it sound different. “Since their version is out, I’d like to put out mine as well,” he wrote.
Raghu Ram Called His India’s Got Latent Experience ‘Cathartic’
In a video that was likely recorded before this controversy, Raghu Ram called his India’s Got Latent experience ‘cathartic’, saying that there were no restrictions and that one can have fun without any fear. While speaking with Guwahati Plus before the India’s Got Latent row, he said, “The Latent experience was quite cathartic for me. This is a big word so let me you why. After many years, I felt like I opened up. The environment was so unrestrained, there were no restrictions and you can have fun without any fear because there, no one takes you seriously. Like they say ‘jaisa des, vaisa bhes’ (When in Rome, do as the Romans do).”
The row began when podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia made a controversial joke on ‘parental sex’ that went viral on Samay Raina’s “India’s Got Latent”. In the viral video, the influencer was seen asking a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever.” This shocking exchange left netizens furious. Ranveer later apologized for his remarks.
The Maharashtra Cyber Department filed an FIR against Allahbadia, Raina, and others for allegedly creating obscene content on the show. Raghu Ram, who appeared as a judge on the tenth episode of the show, appeared before the Maharashtra Cyber Cell office on Thursday to record his statement. He was reportedly among the 50 people who have been summoned to record the statements.
