Karan Kundrra's SLAP row to Munawar Faruqui's CHEATING buzz: 7 BIGGEST controversies on Indian reality shows

Indian reality television has always thrived on drama, but sometimes the controversies spilling out of these shows become bigger than the competition itself. From allegations of cheating and on screen meltdowns to public backlash against hosts and judges, several moments have sparked nationwide debates and completely taken over social media conversations. Here’s a look at seven Indian reality TV controversies that left the internet talking for days.

Karan Kundrra slapped a contestant on Roadies:

One of the most shocking moments in Indian reality TV came during an episode of MTV Roadies when actor and gang leader Karan Kundrra slapped a contestant during an argument. Reports suggested that the contestant had made disrespectful remarks involving his sister and revealed that he had slapped his sister, which led to the heated reaction. The incident quickly went viral and sparked conversations around aggression and violence on reality shows. While some viewers defended Kundrra for reacting emotionally, many criticised the use of physical violence on national television. The controversy remained one of the most talked about moments in the show’s history.

Neha Dhupia’s “It’s her choice” remark divides the internet:

Another Roadies controversy that completely exploded online involved actress Neha Dhupia. During an audition, a contestant admitted that he slapped his girlfriend after learning she had cheated on him with multiple men. Neha strongly condemned the violence and stated that cheating was “her choice.” While her point about violence against women was appreciated by some, the clip was heavily criticised and memed across social media platforms. The phrase quickly became a viral trend, with thousands of memes and reaction videos flooding the internet. The incident turned into one of the biggest pop culture talking points of that year.

Papon exits The Voice India Kids after kissing controversy:

Singer Papon found himself at the centre of controversy during his stint on The Voice India Kids. During a Holi celebration livestream, a video surfaced that appeared to show him kissing a minor contestant on the lips. The clip immediately triggered outrage online, with many social media users questioning the appropriateness of the act. Although the contestant’s family publicly defended Papon and called the moment innocent and accidental, the backlash continued to grow. Eventually, Papon stepped down from the show amid mounting criticism and media scrutiny.

Raghav Juyal accused of racist remarks:

Television host and dancer Raghav Juyal faced severe backlash after a clip from Dance Deewane went viral online. In the video, viewers accused him of imitating and mocking East Asian accents while interacting with a contestant from Northeast India. Many social media users and public figures criticised the segment as insensitive and racist, leading to widespread outrage online. While several fans defended Juyal saying the act was unintentional humour, the controversy reignited discussions around representation and stereotyping on Indian television.

Prince Narula faces bribery allegations linked to Roadies:

Reality TV star Prince Narula landed in controversy after a contestant alleged that he and his wife demanded money in exchange for securing a place on MTV Roadies. According to reports, the contestant claimed that a sum of ?20 lakh had been asked for during the audition process. The allegations spread rapidly across entertainment portals and social media, shocking fans of the long running reality show. While no official proof supporting the accusations emerged publicly, the controversy generated massive online discussion and once again raised questions around the authenticity of reality TV competitions.

Munawar Faruqui’s personal life controversy dominates Bigg Boss 17:

Stand up comedian and reality TV winner Munawar Faruqui became one of the most controversial contestants during Bigg Boss 17. Inside the house, discussions surrounding his alleged relationships and accusations of cheating became a major storyline throughout the season. Multiple personal revelations aired publicly, leading to heated debates among viewers online. This happened after the entry of Ayesha Khan who claimed to be his ex girlfriend. While some fans continued to support Munawar, others strongly criticised him over the allegations. The controversy consistently trended on social media and became one of the defining narratives of the season.

Ashneer Grover storms off set after major spat with Aarush Bola during Rise and Fall:

Former entrepreneur and television personality Ashneer Grover made headlines after an explosive argument with contestant Aarush Bhola on the reality show Rise and Fall. During the confrontation, tensions escalated to the point where Ashneer walked off the set. Clips from the altercation quickly circulated online, with viewers divided over whether his reaction was justified or unnecessarily aggressive. Given Ashneer’s already outspoken public image, the controversy only added to his reputation for fiery and unpredictable television appearances.

Over the years, Indian reality television has blurred the line between entertainment and real life controversy. While some incidents sparked serious conversations around behaviour and accountability, others became internet spectacles fuelled by memes, debates, and viral clips. What remains undeniable is that controversies continue to be one of the biggest reasons reality TV stays constantly in the spotlight.

Do you know of any more controversies? Drop in the comments section below.