Beyond the backlash: Understanding a Reel, a response, and a glimpse of hope

In this conversation, we aim to unpack the broader repercussions of the uneven wave of social media backlash while also celebrating Apoorva's recent Reel that could possibly be her comeback.

After India’s Got Latent, hosted by comedian Samay Raina, came under heavy criticism earlier this year, reactions poured in from all directions. While a lot has happened since then, the conversation around the show has continued to resurface in different ways, each time bringing a new perspective or concern. Most recently, the focus has shifted to the unequal backlash faced by those associated with the show. The controversy, while affecting all panelists, revealed a double standard in how the public and online mobs handed out their judgment. Samay Raina, the host, and Ranveer Allahbadia, whose particularly crude remark drew significant ire, faced criticism but emerged relatively unscathed in the public eye. Their apologies, although scrutinized, were largely accepted, and their careers continued with minimal disruption.

This disparity is not just anecdotal. It reflects a broader pattern in online culture, where women often face disproportionate punishment for perceived transgressions. Apoorva Mukhija, one of the creators involved in the controversy, opened up about the deeply distressing nature of the hate she received. In a recent video she posted on YouTube, she shared how the threats extended far beyond online criticism. People posted violent and disturbing messages on social media, targeting not just her but also those close to her. In her YouTube video titled Till I Say It Is, she broke her silence after deleting her social media content and retreating from public view. The video was her attempt to explain her side of the story.

Despite the vulnerability and sincerity in the video, some were quick to dismiss it as a PR move aimed at salvaging her public image. Whether the argument about the video being a PR stunt holds any weight is uncertain. What is most disheartening, though, is how the focus quietly shifted from the actual issue the video tried to highlight. That shift says a lot about where we stand with empathy and tolerance in online spaces. The harsh and unforgiving nature of the internet means that even the most genuine efforts to explain, clarify, or heal are often met with suspicion, ridicule, or further criticism from sections of the audience who may have already made up their minds.

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But her latest Reel, released recently with a voice-over by Ayush Wadhwa, shifts the tone from survival to renewal. Unlike her earlier statements, the video doesn’t directly address the controversy or its impact. Instead, it feels like a quiet reflection on healing and moving forward. Her Reel acknowledges the weight of feeling stuck in sadness, but also the moment when you realise you have to start doing something about it. You can’t go on with life feeling this stuck forever. She talks about how the backlash stripped her of numerous brand deals and work opportunities. Yet, despite everything that was taken from her, the Reel holds its focus on something she didn’t lose — the hope that she'll be happy again. She emphasizes that happiness is a choice. It's not a passive feeling but an intentional act. “Happiness is something you have to look for,” her Reel adds. And with that thought in mind, it seems like she has been quietly preparing for a meaningful comeback — one we’re definitely looking forward to.

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This makes us ponder - Maybe the real question isn’t whether every apology is perfect or every comeback is deserved. Perhaps it’s about whether we are creating space for people to grow beyond their lowest moments. The internet may never be a fully fair place but realizations like these compel us to reflect on what we choose to amplify and what we choose to ignore. Maybe it’s not just content creators who need to do better, maybe the audience does too!

What are your thoughts on it? Tell us in the comments below. 

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