Comedian Samay Raina has found himself at the centre of a fresh controversy after an exchange with fellow comedian Sharon Verma on the latest episode of India’s Got Latent Season 2 sparked debate over the boundaries of comedy.
The interaction began as a roast between the two comedians, with Raina making jokes about Verma’s Bihari background. Verma responded with a joke referencing Raina’s Kashmiri roots, before the exchange continued with further comments about their respective regions.
The moment quickly gained attention after clips from the episode circulated across social media. While some viewers appreciated the comedians’ quick responses and treated the exchange as typical roast humour, others criticised the jokes for touching on sensitive regional and historical issues.
Political reaction
The controversy soon moved beyond social media, with political figures criticising the remarks.
BJP MLA Ram Kadam accused Raina of using controversial comments to attract publicity. He also argued that subjects connected to Kashmiri Pandits should not be treated casually or used as targets of ridicule.
Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari also criticised the remarks involving Bihar and Kashmiri Pandits, describing derogatory comments against communities as unacceptable and warning that such statements could contribute to social divisions.
At the same time, reactions have not been completely one-sided. Some viewers have defended the exchange as part of a comedy format in which both performers willingly participated in the roast. Others believe that comedy involving historical trauma and community identities requires greater sensitivity.
Sharon Verma’s response draws attention
Sharon Verma's comeback became one of the most widely discussed moments from the episode. Her response to Raina's comments drew laughter and applause from the panel, including Raina himself.
The exchange subsequently spread online, with many social-media users praising Verma for her quick wit and ability to turn the joke around.
The latest controversy comes after India’s Got Latent faced major backlash during its first season in 2025 following controversial remarks made by guest Ranveer Allahbadia. That episode led to multiple legal complaints and a wider debate over the limits of online comedy.
The latest episode has therefore reignited discussion about whether comedians should have greater freedom to use provocative humour or whether jokes involving regional communities and painful historical experiences require stricter boundaries.
