"Not Twitter, outrage on my YouTube channel, so that.... ": Samay Raina mocks backlash to joke about depressive bouts of Deepika Padukone

Mumbai: Mocking netizens who have expressed their annoyance over a contestant in his YouTube show cracking a joke on Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone’s depression, comedian Samay Raina has asked them to publicise their outrage in a way that would benefit him.

Raina’s YouTube show India’s Got Latent recently made headlines after a contestant drew a backlash for his joke about Padukone’s depression.

Raina took to X and posted a reply under a viral video of the joke from his show. The video’s replies and quotes section was filled with angry reactions by netizens who believed that a line had been crossed, according to Pinkvilla.

However, Raina mocked the backlash, saying, “Guys, it’s not fair. You cannot outrage on Twitter. Please outrage on my YouTube comments section so there is some ad revenue at least.”

The latest episode of the reality show India's Got Latent saw creator Raina taking the judges panel along with Tanmay Bhat, Raghu Ram, Dr Sid Warrier, and Balraj Singh Ghai.

A contestant, referring to the recent birth of Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s daughter Dua. said, “Deepika Padukone also became a mother recently, right? Great, now she knows what depression looks like.” The panellists were seen laughing and applauding in response.

The contestant continued, “I am not trying to insult breakup-wala depression,” before adding, “Actually, I am.”

The netizens reacted strongly to these remarks and criticised the contestant as well as the judges for making fun of mental health.

Padukone has been open about her struggles with depression over the years. She also founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation to raise awareness about mental health. The actress hasn’t responded to this controversy.