/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/12/CRfEneJ6R32IeQjjeSKQ.png "Samay Raina")
Samay Raina, an Indian stand-up comedian and YouTuber, has significantly influenced India’s comedy and online entertainment landscape. Born in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, Raina’s journey from a print engineering student to a celebrated comedian and digital content creator is both inspiring and noteworthy.
In February 2025, Samay Raina found himself at the center of a controversy surrounding his popular YouTube show, “India’s Got Latent.” The show, which provided a platform for emerging talents, faced backlash due to inappropriate comments made by guest judges Ranveer Allahbadia and Apoorva Mukhija. In response to the public outcry, Raina decided to remove all episodes of the show from his YouTube channel, emphasizing that his primary objective was to make people laugh and that the situation had become overwhelming.
Stats at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Samay Raina |
| Date of Birth | October 26, 1997 |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Birthplace | Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Parents’ Names | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Degree in Printing Technology Engineering from PVG’s College of Engineering and Technology, Pune |
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedian, YouTuber |
| Years Active | 2017–present |
| Known For | “Comicstaan 2,” “India’s Got Latent” |
Early Life
Born on October 26, 1997, in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Samay Raina was raised in a conservative Kashmiri Pandit family. His upbringing in a middle-class household instilled in him traditional values, yet he always harbored a passion for the arts. Raina pursued a degree in Printing Technology Engineering from PVG’s College of Engineering and Technology in Pune. During his college years, he discovered his knack for comedy and began participating in open mic events, gradually becoming a regular in Pune’s local comedy scene. Despite his technical education, Raina realized that his true calling lay in the world of stand-up comedy.
Career
Samay Raina’s professional journey commenced in 2017 when he started performing at various comedy venues across India. His big break came in 2019 when he participated in the second season of “Comicstaan,” a popular stand-up comedy competition streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Raina’s sharp wit, relatable humor, and unique comedic style resonated with both judges and audiences, leading him to co-win the competition alongside Aakash Gupta. This victory catapulted him into the limelight, opening doors to numerous opportunities in the entertainment industry.
In 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Raina adapted to the changing landscape by transitioning to digital platforms. He launched his self-titled YouTube channel, where he began streaming live chess matches, often collaborating with fellow comedians and professional chess players. These streams not only provided entertainment but also served philanthropic purposes, as Raina utilized his platform to raise funds for various charitable causes, including support for waste pickers and relief efforts for flood victims in West Bengal and Assam. His innovative content garnered a substantial following, amassing over 7 million subscribers by 2024.
India’s Got Latent
In June 2024, Samay Raina expanded his horizons by launching “India’s Got Latent,” a reality show aimed at uncovering hidden talents across the country. Hosted on his YouTube channel, the show featured a unique format where participants were evaluated not only on their talents but also on their self-awareness, with comedic commentary and celebrity guest judges contributing to the evaluation process. The show quickly garnered attention and positive reception, particularly among younger audiences, for its distinctive, humour-driven approach to talent discovery.
Building on the success of the show, Raina ventured into the tech and entertainment space by launching the “India’s Got Latent” app in January 2025. The app offers unfiltered and uncensored content, providing creators with a platform to explore their talents without restrictions. Raina aims to transition the platform into a full-fledged OTT service, featuring shows across genres such as poetry, rap, and reality TV. Within hours of its launch, the app reached the top of the charts on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Controversies
In February 2025, “India’s Got Latent” became embroiled in controversy following remarks made by guest Ranveer Allahbadia during an episode. The comments sparked widespread backlash, leading to multiple complaints and legal actions. In response, Samay Raina deleted all episodes of the show from his YouTube channel, stating that the situation had become “too much for me to handle.” He expressed his intention to cooperate with inquiries and emphasized that his primary objective was to make people laugh. Despite the controversy, several prominent figures, including filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri and Indian-American comedian Akaash Singh, came forward to support Raina, criticizing the excessive backlash and political interference.
Associated Brands
Throughout his career, Samay Raina has collaborated with various brands, particularly in the tech and entertainment sectors. His innovative approach to content creation and his substantial online presence has made him a sought-after partner for brand endorsements and collaborations. Specific details about the brands he is associated with are not publicly disclosed.
Upcoming Projects
As of February 2025, Samay Raina is focused on expanding the “India’s Got Latent” platform into a comprehensive OTT service. He plans to introduce a diverse range of shows, including those centered around poetry, rap, and reality TV, providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills. Raina’s commitment to pushing the envelope with his comedy and content creation continues to drive his upcoming projects.
10 Lesser-Known Facts About Samay Raina
- Engineering Background – Before pursuing comedy, Samay studied Printing Engineering at PVG’s College of Engineering and Technology in Pune.
- Accidental Stand-up Comedian – His first-ever open mic performance was on a whim, and the overwhelming response motivated him to take comedy seriously.
- Big Chess Enthusiast – Samay played a crucial role in popularizing online chess in India during the COVID-19 lockdown, collaborating with grandmasters like Viswanathan Anand and Hikaru Nakamura.
- Created ‘Comedians on Board’ (COB) – He initiated the COB chess tournament series, bringing Indian stand-up comedians together to compete in chess.
- Organized ‘Chess Super League’ – Along with ChessBase India and Nodwin Gaming, he co-hosted the Chess Super League, featuring top Indian and international chess players.
- Launched ‘India’s Got Latent’ – In 2024, he introduced an online talent hunt show called “India’s Got Latent,” blending humor and competition.
- Fundraised for Charity – Samay has raised significant amounts for causes such as flood relief and COVID-19 assistance through his comedy and chess streams.
- Close Friends with Tanmay Bhat – His strong bond with comedian Tanmay Bhat has significantly influenced his online career and YouTube collaborations.
- Developed a Mobile App – He launched an app for “India’s Got Latent,” offering exclusive, unfiltered content that quickly gained popularity.
- Aims to Bridge Comedy and Chess – Samay has expressed a long-term vision of blending comedy with chess to make the game more mainstream and engaging in India.
