Samay Raina 'broken' after 'IGL' row, friend reveals
What's the story
YouTuber and author Shwetabh Gangwar recently disclosed that his friend, comedian Samay Raina, is battling depression and fear amid the ongoing India's Got Latent controversy.
The revelation comes after Raina removed all episodes of the show after multiple FIRs were lodged against him over a remark made by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia on the show.
In a now-deleted video, Gangwar expressed concern over Raina's mental state during a phone call with him.
Emotional distress
'When I spoke to him, I saw a broken man'
Gangwar's love for Raina was evident in the video.
He said, "Bhaisahab, toota hua hai vo insaan (He is a broken man). When the controversy first erupted, I could still see the old Samay in him, but when I spoke to him last time, I saw a broken man...depressed, sad, scared."
He also mentioned that he took a break from social media as he felt helpless and emotionally drained seeing his friend in such distress.
Ongoing tour
Raina's public appearance amid controversy
Raina, currently in Canada for his live shows, has requested time until March 17 to return to India and record his official statement in the controversy.
At one of his shows, he addressed the issue publicly.
A fan named Shubham Dutta took to Facebook to share his experience, calling Raina a "25-year-old guy, weighed down by immense mental pressure."
Dutta also said Raina humorously referred to the controversy during his performance.
Court reaction
Supreme Court's response to Raina's comments
During a hearing on the India's Got Latent controversy, the Supreme Court permitted Allahbadia to resume podcasting with certain conditions.
However, the court also took cognizance of Raina's comments during his Canada show.
Justice Kant expressed disapproval of "one of these youngsters" commenting about the case abroad and said, "These youngsters are being overly smart...One of them has gone to Canada and spoken there."