The entertainment industry has witnessed several controversies in 2024 and the early months of 2025. While some celebrities managed to maintain their popularity, others faced intense criticism and backlash. Here’s a look at eight well-known personalities who found themselves at the center of public scrutiny.
1. Ashneer Grover’s Podcast Controversy
Professional broadcaster and podcaster Ashneer Grover faced significant backlash after a podcast episode where he allegedly made remarks about Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The controversy intensified when, during a later public event, Grover appeared to change his stance, leading to accusations of inconsistency.
Further fueling the situation, Grover revisited the topic at an NIT college event, once again making statements about Salman Khan. This reignited debates, with many questioning his intent—whether it was a genuine grievance or a deliberate attempt to remain in the spotlight.
2. Aarush Laila’s Bold Statements
Blogger and digital content creator Aarush Laila, also known as Aarush Bhola, faced criticism due to his outspoken nature. His unfiltered approach, often appreciated for its authenticity, landed him in trouble when some of his remarks were deemed offensive.
Additionally, an incident at a public event escalated tensions when Laila played loud music during an important announcement. While he later clarified that the sound system was not his responsibility, the damage was already done, further tarnishing his image.
3. Apoorva’s Heated Response at a College Event
Social media personality Apoorva, popularly called Rebel Girl, found herself in a controversy after an incident at DTU College. While addressing a crowd, she was heckled by some attendees who repeatedly mentioned her ex-partner.
Instead of ignoring the remarks, she responded aggressively, challenging the hecklers. The situation quickly escalated, with some individuals attempting to confront her. The controversy was compounded by her appearance on India’s Got Latent, where another incident further stirred public discourse.
4. Urvashi Rautela’s Interview Mishap
Actress Urvashi Rautela became the subject of online criticism after a recent interview. When asked about the attack on Saif Ali Khan, instead of directly addressing the question, she diverted the conversation toward promoting her latest movie, Daku Maharaja.
Her response was perceived as dismissive and opportunistic, leading to accusations of insensitivity. Many felt that using a serious incident as a platform for self-promotion was inappropriate.
5. Veer Pahariya and the Comedy Show Incident
Relatively new to the industry, Veer Pahariya quickly found himself in a controversy after a stand-up comedian made jokes about him during a live show. The humor didn’t sit well with some of his fans, leading to a heated exchange at the event.
The situation escalated when certain attendees confronted the comedian, allegedly threatening him. While Pahariya later distanced himself from the incident, denying any involvement, the controversy cast a shadow over his budding career.
6. Abhay Singh (IITian Baba) and His Social Media Rants
Popular social media personality Abhay Singh, known as IITian Baba, built a following due to his unique perspective and unconventional statements. However, his recent remarks about family expectations and parental roles sparked widespread debate.
His statements—questioning why parents project their aspirations onto their children—were met with mixed reactions. While some agreed with his views, others criticized him for his blunt delivery, accusing him of promoting a negative mindset.
7. Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s Controversial Comment on Mahakumbh
Religious leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri faced intense backlash after his remarks regarding the 144-year Mahakumbh festival. Following a tragic incident where many attendees lost their lives, he commented that they had attained “moksha” (salvation) rather than simply perishing.
His statement drew criticism from various religious groups and the general public, with many calling it insensitive and disrespectful to the victims’ families. Some religious scholars even openly challenged his views.
8. Udit Narayan’s Uncomfortable Fan Encounter
Legendary singer Udit Narayan found himself in a controversy after an incident at a public event. While taking selfies with fans, he was seen kissing a female fan on the cheek, which quickly became a viral topic.
The footage led to divided opinions—some defended the act as harmless, while others criticized it as inappropriate. The situation worsened when past videos resurfaced, further fueling the debate over personal boundaries in celebrity-fan interactions.