In 2025, Indian social media wasn’t just about dance reels and skincare routines—it was also a stage for drama, debates, and downright chaos. This year, several influencers found themselves at the center of intense controversies that catapulted them into headlines far beyond their usual follower base. From allegations of espionage and religious defamation to roast show backlashes and wrongful predictions, these incidents showed just how thin the line is between fame and infamy.
The digital age offers everyone a voice—but when that voice crosses boundaries, the consequences can be swift, brutal, and very, very public. Here are five Indian influencers who made waves not for their content—but for the controversies that followed them in 2025.
1. Jyoti Malhotra – From Vlogging to a Spy Scandal
Jyoti Malhotra, a popular travel vlogger from Hisar, had carved a niche online with her solo trips and “local flavor” reels. But in May 2025, everything turned upside down when she was arrested on charges of espionage. Authorities claimed she was leaking sensitive military information to Pakistan, and suddenly her travel content was being scrutinized under a national security lens.
2. Apoorva Mukhija – Roast Show Backlash That Turned Viral Into Vulnerable
Apoorva Mukhija, known online as The Rebel Kid, has always been known for her quirky, unfiltered takes on life and pop culture. So when she joined comedian Samay Raina’s roast show India’s Got Latent earlier in 2025, fans expected the usual sass. What they got instead was a storm. Jokes made on the show were deemed obscene, leading to police complaints, a cancelled tourism campaign, and massive online hate.
Brands dropped her. She unfollowed everyone on Instagram. And when she flew to Paris, even a small on-stage moment at a Sabrina Carpenter concert turned controversial. What began as a career high spiraled into a lesson about the fine line between humour and outrage in a hyper-sensitive digital age.
3. Dhruv Rathee – Crossing the Line with AI and Faith
Dhruv Rathee has long been a trusted voice on YouTube, breaking down complex political and social topics in easy language. But in May 2025, he crossed a line that cost him dearly—he uploaded an AI-generated video depicting revered Sikh Gurus, something strictly prohibited in Sikhism. The backlash was instant and fierce. Sikh organisations demanded the video’s removal, calling it deeply disrespectful. Rathee took the video down, but the damage was done.
Even seasoned creators like him learned that technology, especially AI, must be used with cultural sensitivity. In trying to modernise storytelling, he ended up offending an entire faith community.
4. Abhey Singh (IIT Baba) – The Saint Who Went a Bit Too Viral
Abhey Singh, popularly known as IIT Baba, is that unusual mix of spiritual guru and meme king. Dressed in saffron, quoting scriptures with Gen-Z punchlines, he shot to fame at the 2025 Kumbh Mela. But his 2025 was messy. First, he went viral for predicting that Pakistan would defeat India in the ICC Champions Trophy final—a forecast that backfired when India won. He was roasted online for it.
Then came a police raid in Jaipur where he was found in possession of what he claimed was bhang prasad, but the police called it ganja. From prophet to punchline in just a few weeks, IIT Baba reminded everyone that internet fame can be holy—or go hilariously wrong.
5. Kamal Kaur Bhabhi – The Shocking Murder That Stunned Punjabi Social Media
Kamal Kaur, known online as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, wasn’t just another Instagram face—she was a firebrand who spoke her truth, often unfiltered. Her bold personality and unapologetic videos about social issues and women’s rights won her thousands of followers. But in June 2025, the news of her body being discovered in a parked car outside a Bathinda hospital sent shockwaves across Punjab and the influencer community. What made it worse was the response from certain religious leaders—one even justified her killing, claiming she defamed Sikhism.
These five influencers each hit the spotlight in very different ways—but all through the same route: controversy. In some cases, it was tragic. In others, avoidable. But what they all show is that in today’s digital world, an influencer isn’t just a creator—they’re a brand, a lightning rod, and sometimes, a target. Whether it’s politics, faith, or just jokes gone wrong, 2025 proved that Indian social media is not for the faint-hearted.