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New Delhi: Popular podcaster and entrepreneur Raj Shamani is facing the heat on social media after hosting 21-year-old self-proclaimed millionaire Umar Punjabi in a now-deleted podcast episode. The backlash began soon after the video went live, with many netizens accusing Shamani of giving a platform to someone they allege has scammed Indian traders.
One of the top comments under the video read: “Shame on you, Raj Shamani. How can you invite this scammer, Umar Punjabi? Who scam lot of Indian traders. I’m a big fan of your podcast, but I never expected this from you.” Another user added that the episode was nothing more than a “Rs 150 crore clickbait podcast featuring a proven scammer.”
Some drew parallels between Shamani’s decision and the earlier controversy around Ranveer Allahbadia, remarking: “Raj Shamani’s Ranveer Allahbadia moment is here! Shameful!” Others accused the host of running a “paid podcast” that helped Umar Punjabi tap into an unaware audience while Shamani allegedly earned from sponsorships.
The criticism escalated when viewers linked the incident to Shamani’s recent high-profile episode with Vijay Mallya. Mallya, after years of silence, chose Shamani’s platform for a 4.3-hour-long conversation. Critics alleged that Shamani was “helping clean up the image” of controversial figures for money. One sharp comment read: “Hence, it is proved that he took money from Vijay Mallya as well to clean his image, after seeing his podcast with the scammer Umar Punjabi. Not expected from Raj Shamani.”
Shame on you @rajshamani
— Prop Firm Eye (@propfirmeye) September 28, 2025
How can you invite this scammer ( @umarpnj)? Who Scam lot of Indian Trader's. I'm a big fan of your podcast, but i never expected this from you.
A 150 Cr clickbait podcast featuring a proven Scammer.
Just look at your Top Comment. pic.twitter.com/dTl0hmKngV
Adding to the controversy, users recalled Shamani’s statements about reinvesting 99% of his income back into his business, citing it as the reason for his explosive growth in the last four years. They pointed out the contradiction of featuring a guest who openly admitted to flaunting a Lamborghini and an Audemars Piguet watch to boost online course sales. “Not sure who looks worse out of the two,” one comment noted.
Instagram:
In response to the criticism, Shamani deleted the podcast episode. However, he later posted on Instagram with a cryptic message: “The more you win, the more people misunderstand you,” adding the caption, “Have you felt judged more when you win than when you lose?”