'Been abusing me for no reason': Sufi Motiwala issues sharp note on Apoorva Mukhija friendship fallout

The online chatter around Apoorva Mukhija, Sufi Motiwala, and Rida Tharana has once again flared up after the Wednesday Season 2 event, where Sufi and Rida were seen together. This appearance sparked fresh speculation about shifting friendships, especially given the fallout between Apoorva and both of them after the India’s Got Latent controversy.

For context, Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known as “The Rebel Kid,” faced severe backlash following her participation in India’s Got Latent. The controversy spiralled into FIRs, death threats, and even eviction from her Mumbai flat. During this time, many noticed that she unfollowed both Sufi and Rida on social media, signalling a breakdown in ties that were once considered close.

At the recent Netflix event, the absence of any interaction between Apoorva and her former friends did not go unnoticed. Social media platforms like Reddit were quick to discuss whether Sufi had moved closer to Rida, and if that automatically created distance with Apoorva.

In response to the growing noise, Sufi Motiwala took to Instagram with a detailed statement titled “NO MORE LIES.” He addressed claims that he had taken advantage of Apoorva’s popularity. “I’ve literally never collabed on a reel w her and have been on her yt twice both of which were her content pieces entirely. So no I’m sorry I didn’t use her for clout,” he wrote. He stressed that his intention was friendship, not opportunism.

Sufi explained that he distanced himself due to the way he was being treated. “I even requested her to ask her audience to calm down because they’ve been abusing me for no reason. Sadly this person who called me her best friend has no concern for that and or the fact that maybe im hurt. THAT is why im not friends w her anymore. Keep it cute keep it moving.”

He concluded his note by pushing back against online criticism: “Idc about anything u think im a horrible person ok. But I’ve worked my ass off to build myself to where I am and I won’t let a bunch of children discredit that by spreading misinformation.”

The statement makes it clear that Sufi is drawing a line. While Apoorva continues to face her own challenges, the fracture in friendships once central to her public life seems unlikely to heal soon.