Samay Raina Reflects on Strained Friendship with Kusha Kapila After Controversial Roast

Comedian Samay Raina has admitted that mending his friendship with actor Kusha Kapila after a controversial roast is still a long way off. The incident, involving jokes about Kusha’s divorce from Zorawar Ahluwalia, created a rift between the two and sparked widespread debate earlier this year. Kusha had labelled the remarks as “dehumanising,” adding fuel to the controversy.

In a recent Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, a user directly asked Samay about his current relationship with Kusha. Addressing the question, Samay shared, “Friendship with Kusha is not the same; we rarely talk. But I spoke to her recently, and it was great! I am fond of her regardless. I hope someday she and I can laugh about everything openly, but that day has time. Always rooting for her success.” He also expressed his admiration for many comedians, stating, “I don’t have a favourite comedian, I have favourite jokes. I love and learn from so many comics.”

The controversy began during the comedy show Pretty Good Roast Show S1, where Kusha was part of a roasting session. Samay’s jokes, however, hit a sensitive nerve when he targeted her marriage and divorce. He called her a “gold-digger” and referenced her separation from Zorawar, including mentions of their shared pet dog. The remarks led to a heated debate about whether comedy had crossed the line.

Kusha, who married Zorawar in 2017, announced their separation in June 2023. She had previously expressed her discomfort with the jokes, describing them as deeply hurtful. The backlash from fans and peers further highlighted the thin line between comedy and insensitivity.

While the incident strained their bond, Samay’s recent remarks reflect his hope for reconciliation. For now, however, their friendship remains distant as both focus on their individual journeys.