The first episode of India’s Got Latent Season 2 has sparked a major discussion online, but not just because of its comedy acts. The premiere featured actress Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as special celebrity guests, while several contestants entertained the audience with stand up performances. One act in particular has become the center of attention after a comedian made a joke referencing Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous island, leading to mixed reactions from viewers.
Contestant Avinash Agarwal impressed the judges and audience with his imitation of US President Donald Trump. His performance included jokes about international politics, current events, and even Bollywood songs. Throughout the act, he copied Trump’s speaking style, body language, and accent, earning laughs from the crowd. His performance was so well received that he was eventually declared the winner of the episode.
However, one joke during the act quickly caught the attention of viewers online. Referring to oil and using a line connected to Epstein Island, Avinash delivered a punchline that drew loud cheers from the audience. Host Samay Raina was also seen applauding and laughing during the moment. But many viewers noticed that Alia Bhatt reacted differently. Instead of laughing, she remained silent and looked away, a reaction that soon became a talking point across social media platforms.
Many users praised Alia for not joining in the laughter. Several people felt that topics linked to child abuse and exploitation should not be used as comedy material. Social media users pointed out that her reaction showed awareness and sensitivity toward a serious issue. Some even described her response as a sign of integrity, saying she chose not to laugh despite being surrounded by people who found the joke funny.
It only takes a small gesture to reveal a person’s awareness and moral compass. Alia Bhatt, the lone voice on the panel refusing to laugh at a joke about Epstein Island, showed more integrity in that moment than the rest combined pic.twitter.com/wcLYoW9V7D
— r (@bekhayalime) June 20, 2026
Comments supporting the actress quickly flooded social media. Many users appreciated that she appeared uncomfortable with the joke and did not encourage it. Others said that even a small reaction can reveal a person’s values and understanding of sensitive topics.
At the same time, Samay Raina faced criticism from a section of viewers for allowing and encouraging the joke on the show. Critics argued that the crimes associated with Epstein Island involved real victims and should not be treated as comedy material. Several people expressed disappointment, saying that making light of such serious allegations risks ignoring the suffering of those affected.