Archana Puran Singh and her son Aaryamann Sethi have addressed the controversy surrounding comedian Samay Raina’s comments about their family on ‘India’s Got Latent’. While the remarks sparked criticism online, with some fans accusing the comedian of crossing a line, Archana and Aaryamann have clarified that they did not take offence. The mother-son duo opened up about the controversy in a video shared on Aaryamann’s YouTube channel, Aary Vlogs, putting their perspective on the viral debate.
What sparked the controversy
Archana Puran Singh had appeared as a panelist on Samay Raina’s show when the comedian joked about her family, including her husband Parmeet Sethi and sons. Referring to them as “jobless”, Samay also took a dig at Archana’s frequent laughter on The Kapil Sharma Show. His remarks drew criticism from a section of viewers, who felt the jokes were distasteful and unnecessarily targeted Archana’s family. As the discussion gained momentum online, Aaryamann and Archana decided to address the issue themselves.
Aaryamann Sethi says Samay Raina meant no harm
In the vlog posted on Thursday, September 3, Aaryamann explained that he did not understand why the comments had generated such a strong reaction.“I usually don’t say something about all this, but I thought we should say something this time just because I feel it’s funny. The joke was also funny because, to be fair, when we vlog, we are at home only, so that’s not wrong, and my mother also does laugh for a living,” he said.Aaryamann Sethi stressed that Samay’s remarks were intended as humour and not as a personal attack.“First of all, let’s just point this out: it was a joke. And it’s okay. He did not mean to hurt me or anyone in my family,” he added.He also said that his relationship with Samay remains cordial and that there is no personal fallout between them. According to Aaryamann, Archana is also in regular touch with the comedian.“Our relationship is fine, and obviously, he is not trying to insult or hurt us. I understand when people say that a line was crossed, but honestly, when the person who is the subject and the one who is making the joke… they don’t have a problem, then I don’t think it’s so important for everyone else to get upset,” he said.Aaryamann further suggested that audiences have become “too sensitive” when it comes to comedy.
Archana Puran Singh says she was not offended
Archana echoed her son’s views and compared her equation with Samay to her long-standing friendship with Kapil Sharma, who frequently jokes about her on The Kapil Sharma Show.“When Kapil makes jokes on me, his intent is not to hurt me. When we are backstage, he touches my feet, we hug, we talk with mutual love and respect. We just joke and laugh about it. Similarly with Samay,” she said.Archana made it clear that she personally did not take offence to Samay’s comments.“I didn’t personally get offended by anything,” she added.She also urged fans not to feel hurt on behalf of her family, pointing out that she knew exactly what kind of show she was appearing on.“Whoever is out there feeling bad for us, please don’t. I went there knowing what kind of show ‘India’s Got Latent’ is. Not to be taken seriously, just meant to be fun and laughter, and I am very used to this kind of humour, and I didn’t feel bad at all,” Archana said.Addressing those who felt her family had been insulted, she explained that the intention behind the joke mattered to her.“People keep saying your family was insulted, but it will be an insult if he meant it. He just wanted to create that one moment of laughter for everybody. For me, that was the intent of that punch. I have no regret about Latent,” she concluded.
What Samay Raina said about Archana Puran Singh’s family
During the episode, Archana’s sons were seated in the front row when Samay made the controversial remark about her family.“I have seen in your vlogs that neither your husband works, nor your two useless sons. They are sitting here in the first row,” he said.The comedian has previously shared a friendly equation with the family. Samay has appeared on Aaryamann’s vlogs and has even given viewers a tour of his home on the channel.
