‘Surprisingly sensitive heart’: Shehzad Poonawalla backs comedian Samay Raina after viral Latent moment

Shehzad Poonawalla, a former senior BJP spokesperson, publicly endorsed comedian Samay Raina on Saturday after a recent episode of Raina’s show India’s Got Latent went viral. In a statement shared on social media, Poonawalla defended Raina against critics, arguing that people are “too quick to judge” the comedian based on his language, jokes, or viral moments. He described Raina as having a “surprisingly sensitive heart,” emphasizing that beneath the comedian’s irreverent style lies empathy, intelligence, and a deep sense of care. The viral moment in question came from the second season of India’s Got Latent, which Raina rebooted after facing legal challenges in early 2025. The controversy initially stemmed from an episode featuring guest Ranveer Allahbadia, whose comments led to widespread backlash and multiple First Information Reports (FIRs). Despite these issues, Raina has since returned with five new episodes of the show, which have been uploaded to YouTube. The latest episode sparked renewed interest in Raina’s work, prompting Poonawalla’s public support. Poonawalla, who recently left the BJP, posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Raina serves as a “reminder like his name.” He noted that “Samay keeps changing. Bad times aren’t permanent. Good times can end too,” and urged people to remain “decent and humble.” His comments followed a personal connection to Raina, as he mentioned knowing the comedian’s father and praising Raina’s love, responsibility, and devotion toward his family. He further highlighted a specific moment from the viral clip, where Raina’s actions, giving five marks that shifted the average score to nine, helped a young girl win. According to Poonawalla, this act demonstrated Raina’s ability to think beyond himself, considering the impact of his decisions on others. “More importantly, he had thought about someone else,” Poonawalla remarked, underscoring the value of selfless behavior. Poonawalla emphasized that he judges individuals based on their actions rather than their words, particularly when no one is demanding proof of their character. He argued that values are best reflected through lived experiences rather than verbal expressions. This perspective aligns with his broader critique of society’s tendency to create role models based solely on what people say, rather than how they behave in unobserved situations. Meanwhile, Samay Raina has continued to engage with the public sphere. Earlier this week, he was felicitated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during an event hosted by Maharashtra Cyber, which unveiled an awareness short film. Raina expressed gratitude for the recognition, humorously noting that he had saved the contact number 1930, presumably referring to the state’s cyber department, for some time due to frequent calls from them. His lighthearted response underscored his ability to navigate both professional and personal challenges with wit and resilience. The incident highlights the ongoing discourse around public figures and their conduct, especially in the digital age where moments can quickly gain traction and influence public perception. While Raina continues to face scrutiny over past controversies, supporters like Poonawalla argue that such judgments should be tempered with understanding and a focus on individual growth and intent. As the debate surrounding Raina’s career unfolds, his actions continue to shape discussions about accountability, redemption, and the complexities of public life.