Last year, a controversy surrounding the show India’s Got Latent erupted after a clip went viral, resulting in significant backlash against several prominent figures, including Ranveer Allahbadia, Apoorva Mukhija, and Ashish Chanchlani. Recently, Chanchlani revealed that he had warned Allahbadia about the potential fallout from his remarks during the episode.
In a recent appearance on Prakhar Gupta’s podcast, Chanchlani discussed the build-up to the scandal. He noted that the episode was filmed in November and released in February, and he had not predicted that the backlash would become so intense. The critique they faced was not isolated to their episode; it was part of a larger discontent that had been brewing.
Chanchlani reflected on the atmosphere during filming, mentioning that there had been prior instances of controversial content on the show. He recounted hearing about the incident from his brother and initially dismissing the concerns, assuming the criticism would be directed solely at Allahbadia. However, he soon recognized the gravity of the situation.
Addressing Allahbadia’s demeanor during the show, Chanchlani recalled how he had urged him to tone down his jokes. Despite his concerns, Allahbadia maintained that the guests were meant to express themselves freely. Although Chanchlani recognized the chaotic nature of the show, he worried that they had crossed a line.
Following the episode’s release, Chanchlani reached out to Allahbadia, expressing concern over the potential repercussions. Allahbadia reassured him that their intent was to create a light-hearted atmosphere. Yet, Chanchlani admitted he felt uneasy about his participation and did not feel he had made a significant contribution to the discussions.
Reflecting on the controversy and its aftermath, Chanchlani stated that he was relieved that his role in the episode was limited. He conveyed a sense of regret about not having spoken up more during filming and questioned whether his segment should have been included at all. As events unfolded, he was surprised by the level of outrage that ensued.
The incident that sparked the backlash involved a highly inappropriate question posed by Allahbadia during the episode. He asked a contestant to choose between witnessing their parents engage in sexual activity daily for the rest of their life or participating in it once to make it stop. Although the audience initially reacted with laughter, the comment soon drew ire from various political figures and social media users.
In the wake of the outcry, legal actions followed, including multiple FIRs against the show’s participants. Chanchlani was called in to provide a statement to the Assam Police in February, and he later appeared before the National Commission for Women along with his co-panelists.
In March, Chanchlani addressed his fans through a heartfelt Instagram video, where he expressed gratitude for their support during challenging times. He acknowledged his struggle to find the right words but emphasized resilience and the opportunity for growth despite adversity.
On a professional note, Chanchlani has ventured into the realm of science fiction with his YouTube series Ekaki, which he took on roles as writer, director, producer, and actor. This project marks a new chapter in his career as he continues to explore diverse creative avenues.