Former BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, came out in support of comedian Samay Raina on Saturday after the fifth episode of his India’s Got Latent TV show aired. People tend to do too much judgement of Raina with regards to his language and his jokes and the viral moments he creates, he shared.
On X, Poonawalla pointed out what he termed Raina’s ‘sensitive side’ while sharing a clip of the show. Under that ‘entertaining’ facade, he said, lay a “surprisingly sensitive heart” and empathy and intelligence. Poonawalla also appealed to people not to evaluate a person on only their outward appearance.
Raina had previously been the one to stir up a lot of controversy regarding India’s Got Latent. The show attracted legal scrutiny in February, 2025, due to the accusations of obscenity and sexually explicit material. The controversy escalated after the comments made by the guest Ranveer Allahbadia that led to public outrage and multiple FIRs and litigation.
Though unlike with the other contestants, Raina later announced the return of India’s Got Latent. Five episodes of the second season are reportedly available on YouTube.
In his post, Poonawalla also shared a little about Raina’s personal life as he pointed out the comedian’s name to convey the message about changing times. Bad times lasted no longer and he encouraged people to be decent and humble.
Shehzad Poonawalla also admitted that he knew Raina’s father, and added that the comedian was good for both of his parents as he has been loving, responsible and devoted towards them. He called Raina’s journey ‘remarkable’ as did his behaviour towards his family, says he, show more on his character than any viral clip.
The remarks have brought a new wrinkle to the ongoing public debate about the comedian.