My introduction to Ranveer Allahbadia’s channel only happened because he interviewed three people I love and respect and consider good friends – Kapil Dev, Sonu Nigam and Vikas Khanna. Kapil did not want to do the interview, and I could see the reluctance in the way he answered the questions. Not because he disapproved of Ranveer, but because Kapil doesn’t like living in the past or talking about himself.
I believe Ranveer had pursued the interview for some time until Kapil agreed. When Kapil told me about his reluctance, I had argued with him that it was a good thing. The younger generation needs good role models, and I was really happy the interview happened.
It has been interesting to read the comments, about the Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina fiasco.
Ranveer is being singled out more, in spite of there being many more people on that episode saying things that were pretty volatile as well.
Because of his influence.
I don’t know him at all, so I can say this without bias: I am seeing that many of the people who used to fall over themselves to be on his show, kiss his ass on it, and others who have been in hot water themselves, or are on his waiting list, take potshots at Ranveer negating his entire body of work that has been informative, helpful and authentic.
Just for one really stupid, thoughtless decision. Many of those guests who acted like they were best friends with him have not stood up for him in public. I hope they have the decency to support him in private though that is lame and cowardly.
Everyone is now a judge of his character, his intentions… claiming they know so much about him that they can prove this or that.
While private messages and some on my post have been civil (by and large because I don’t permit disrespect) I have to ask everyone bashing Ranveer this question: “Have you never made dumb decisions that you still regret?”
I certainly have and I’m sure I will mess up again. We are all human and imperfect.
There are plenty of skeletons in everyone’s cupboard.
The famous are just far more vulnerable when they mess up.
Ranveer has been pretty open about his mental health issues, and his mistakes. He has never come across as rude or arrogant and he is very candid about his lack of knowledge when he doesn’t know something. He still asks those seemingly ignorant questions and does not let his ego get in the way.
It means he wants to learn, and sharing that learning is inherently generous. People hide their knowledge, afraid someone else will get ahead of them.
This young man has worked his ass off to be where he is.
Someone asked if I would also empathize with the Dalai Lama. For heaven’s sake how do you compare those two incidents?
One, a famous spiritual leader, asked a minor child to suck his tongue, while kissing him on the lips, Ranveer, a 31 year old Youtube influencer, misspoke and put his foot in his mouth big time. The content was lifted from another show. There were no repercussions there as my friend Niraj Mancchanda pointed out.
The spiritual master gets Z-level security. Ranveer is thrown under the bus.
Look at the many Heads of State, spiritual masters, powerful figures (not just in today’s world but through civilizations) who have misused power and committed far worse atrocities.
Why go far, today, look at the Head of the United States – A convicted felon whose comments about women and immigrants made people squirm. And yet he was voted into one of the most powerful positions in the world. It shows a lot about people and their mindset.
The law is taking its course, Ranveer and Co are paying the price. As they should. I’m sure it’s a life lesson in social responsibility that will help them choose better content in the future and understand how to use their influence more productively.
But the people who are ganging up on him, and are taking potshots, unfollowing him, passing nasty judgments, will realize that it’s literally a drop in the ocean when you see the number of people still following him and staying subscribed.
If anyone was to investigate anyone, a lot of skeletons will be found in everyone’s cupboard.
Have an opinion, but do it in a respectful, decent way.
It shows your own class… or lack of it.
Be fair, be kind, don’t be a silent spectator about what should or should not be allowed on the internet when it’s convenient, and become part of the herd when it is convenient.
Don’t destroy someone’s mind, their mental health by vitriolic attacks. Allahbadia is a human being with human emotions. He messed up, he apologized.
He is a work in progress like the rest of us. Samay Raina has deleted everything on his channel. Stuff that netted him so much appreciation (with over 30 million views in just one episode) because he said he couldn’t handle the lashing out. Think of his mind at this moment, his mental health.
There have been YouTubers who have taken drastic measures, by ending their lives. Don’t be part of that horrible mentality which pushes people over the edge. It applies to every relationship.
Don’t turn Ranveer Allahbadia into spectator sport when you feel like it. It’s wrong, it’s cruel. Admonish by all means, but stay fair.
All this opens up a whole new conversation about social responsibility on social media. And how adulation can immediately turn to annihilation if you don’t watch your step.
Many people are saying his apology is fake, and should have come before it became a circus on the internet, and that he is doing this just to save face and his channel and earnings.
In this world of people chasing ratings and making bad choices, it is becoming more a norm than an exception that crass often rapidly replaces class and conscience. Just to be provocative.
My father always said, punishment must be accompanied by some empathy.
I hope that genuine remorse, if it’s there, be responded to with forgiveness and a second chance.
But the issue of what is responsible behavior goes beyond just one kid who messed up.
How far is too far when it comes to freedom of speech? What are the consequences of choices made, and how do you define social responsibility?
And that’s where all of us must look within.
Because what we allow continues.
I can say this: People have short memories. And just as bad content, when caught, is dealt with, good content does not have a shelf life. It returns. And bad publicity is always good publicity.
If you want to do something worthwhile start a revolution to stop inappropriate content on social media.
And yeah good luck with that too.
(Photo credit The Indian Express)