Indian stand-up comedian Samay Raina has found himself at the center of a fresh controversy following remarks made about legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan during his latest stand-up performance.
The comedian, who gained widespread recognition through his YouTube series India’s Got Latent, had recently re-emerged in the public eye after previously facing criticism over controversial content in one of his episodes. His latest stand-up special, Still Alive, initially received positive audience feedback but has now sparked backlash over jokes referencing the veteran actor.
The controversy escalated after members of the Bachchan family reacted publicly. Abhishek Bachchan acknowledged that while the family respects Raina as a performer, there is a “clear boundary between comedy and disrespect”.
He also suggested that the comedian should have reflected on earlier controversies before making such remarks again.
Actor and social media personality Rakhi Sawant also criticized the comedian, stating that disrespectful comments about Amitabh Bachchan were unacceptable. She expressed admiration for Abhishek Bachchan and cautioned Raina against crossing limits in the name of comedy.
Meanwhile, actor Ajaz Khan joined the criticism, questioning Raina’s language and behavior during performances. He also expressed concern over comments directed at one of India’s most respected figures in the film industry.
The controversy has once again sparked debate over the boundaries of stand-up comedy in India, especially when it involves public figures with decades-long legacies. While some defend creative freedom in comedy, others argue that respect for iconic personalities must be maintained.
