Latent 2: Samay Raina takes jibe on NEET paper leak after contestant's cancer reveal

The latest bonus episode of India’s Got Latent saw contestant Karthika Jalani open up about her cancer diagnosis, prompting an emotional moment on the show. Samay Raina responded with a pointed jibe at the NEET paper leak while also stepping in to stop panellist Deepak Kalal from making an inappropriate remark.

After Karthika’s performance, Samay brought up a line she had written on her form: “Hair is my full personality.” When he asked her about it, she explained that she previously had long hair but now kept it short. Samay casually asked what had happened, prompting Karthika to reveal that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

Samay asked, “So if you don’t mind, like, what happened?" Karthika replied, “So I got diagnosed with cancer." Samay said, “Oh no!" and took the microphone away from Deepak Kalal, seemingly anticipating that the comedian might make an inappropriate joke about Karthika’s cancer diagnosis. The unexpected move broke the tension and left Karthika and the others laughing.

The contestant also opened up about how she first discovered the lump. She recalled noticing a small, painless lump and, despite initially thinking it was nothing serious, decided to consult a doctor the next day.

“So I had a small little lump, phir woh painless tha, bilkul. Maine socha kya hi hai. Par phir bhi next day doctor ke paas gayi (It was completely painless. I thought it was probably nothing, but I still went to the doctor the next day)” she said.

According to Karthika, the doctor initially dismissed her concerns and told her, “kuch nahi hai, jao ghar, kuch nahi hai (There is nothing, go home).” She said she then asked the doctor directly if the lump could be cancer, but her concern was brushed aside because of her age.

Samay then responded with his signature dark humour, drawing a connection to the NEET paper leak controversy. Looking at the camera, he quipped, “Isiliye bolte hain doston, NEET ke paper leak mat hone do yaar (That’s why they say, friends, don’t let the NEET papers get leaked, guys)."

Kartika appeared on the show to talk about her battle with cancer. Before her stand-up performance, Deepak Kalal asked her, “Aap takli kyun ho?” (Why are you bald?), prompting Kartika to open up about her diagnosis.

Meanwhile, Samay Raina recently addressed dating rumours with fellow comedian Sharon Verma, dismissing the speculation as “just internet doing its thing.”

However, his personal life continues to remain a topic of discussion, with fans once again speculating about his equation with 12th Fail actor Medha Shankr. A Reddit post has claimed that Samay and Medha are currently vacationing together in Switzerland.