Mumbai: Content creator Apurva Makhija, popularly known as “The Rebel Kid,” has spoken out for the first time on the backlash surrounding her content in a recent episode of the Yuvaa podcast hosted by Nikhil Taneja.
Makhija has often found herself at the receiving end of criticism—particularly from men’s rights groups who claimed her content was “anti-men.”
In the podcast, she addressed the controversy head-on, offering clarity on her intent and pushing back against the misrepresentation.
“Somehow we've made this a fight of gender — men versus women. It's not that deep. Nobody hates anybody,” she said, challenging the polarised discourse that often consumes social media. Her remarks come after months of online trolling sparked by clipped videos of her monologues, frequently stripped of context.
Highlighting the role of algorithms in shaping echo chambers, Makhija noted, “If you believe women shouldn’t work and the algorithm shows you six Andrew Tate videos, you think that’s the truth.” She warned that the digital ecosystem is diminishing the public’s capacity to think in nuance — or “in the gray,” as she described it.
She also pushed back against the growing expectations for content creators to serve as moral compasses. “Entertainers don’t owe you values. They’re here to entertain you. Learn values from your parents,” Makhija said, calling out what she sees as unfair moral policing.
Apurva Makhija rose to prominence with her signature blend of satire, spoken word, and social critique.
In early 2025, Makhija became embroiled in a controversy following her appearance on the YouTube show India’s Got Latent, hosted by comedian Samay Raina. During the episode, fellow guest Ranveer Allahbadia made a controversial remark, asking a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once to make it stop forever?”
Makhija also faced criticism for her own comments during the show, which some viewers found objectionable. The backlash was swift, with multiple complaints filed against the show's participants, including Makhija, for promoting obscenity.
The controversy led to significant professional repercussions for Makhija. She reported receiving threats on social media and was dropped from promotional events.
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