Apoorva Mukhija, widely recognized as "The Rebel Kid," has become a prominent figure in India’s digital and entertainment landscape, known for her bold, unfiltered content and growing acting career. As of September 2025, Mukhija continues to make headlines for her professional endeavors, personal controversies, and public persona. From her recent India tour announcement to her ongoing recovery from the fallout of the India’s Got Latent controversy, Mukhija’s journey reflects the highs and lows of being a social media influencer in the spotlight. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news surrounding Apoorva Mukhija, drawing from recent reports, social media updates, and industry insights, while exploring her career trajectory, challenges, and public perception.
India Tour Announcement Sparks Buzz and Skepticism
On September 7, 2025, Apoorva Mukhija announced an upcoming India tour scheduled for October and November 2025, generating significant buzz across social media platforms. The announcement, shared via her Instagram handle @the.rebel.kid, featured a vibrant poster with the tagline, “Rebel & friend’s energy is hitting your city soon! India, it’s time to vibe.” Mukhija reposted the update on her Instagram Stories, adding, “See you in your city,” signaling her enthusiasm for connecting with fans in person. The tour is expected to cover multiple cities, though specific dates and locations remain undisclosed, fueling curiosity and speculation.
While many fans expressed excitement, hoping to see Mukhija perform in their hometowns, the announcement also met with skepticism and trolling. Social media users questioned the nature of the performances, with comments like, “What will she do on stage?” trending on platforms like X. Critics on Reddit and Instagram speculated whether the tour would feature stand-up comedy, skit performances, or interactive fan meet-and-greets, given Mukhija’s background in creating humorous, relatable content. Despite the mixed reactions, Mukhija’s upbeat response suggests confidence in her ability to deliver engaging live experiences, potentially leveraging her signature storytelling and candid persona.
Acting Career and Recent Projects
Mukhija has expanded her repertoire beyond social media, making significant strides in acting. In 2025, she starred in Nadaaniyan, a Netflix series alongside Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor, playing the role of Rhea. The show, which premiered in early September, marks a milestone in her transition from influencer to actor. However, Mukhija was notably absent from promotional events and did not post about the series on her social media, possibly due to lingering effects from earlier controversies. Her performance has received mixed reviews, with critics praising her natural screen presence but noting that her role was limited compared to the lead actors.
Additionally, Mukhija appeared in Baat Pakki (2025) and Who’s Your Gynac? (2023), showcasing her versatility in comedic and dramatic roles. Her debut in Who’s Your Gynac? earned her praise for her relatable portrayal, resonating with her existing fanbase. She also participated in the reality show The Traitors, hosted by Karan Johar on Prime Video, further cementing her presence in the entertainment industry. These projects highlight Mukhija’s ambition to move beyond short-form content and establish herself as a multifaceted performer.
The India’s Got Latent Controversy: Aftermath and Recovery
The most significant news surrounding Mukhija in 2025 stems from her involvement in the India’s Got Latent controversy, a YouTube show hosted by comedian Samay Raina. In February 2025, Mukhija appeared alongside Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps), Ashish Chanchlani, and Jaspreet Singh in an episode that sparked widespread outrage due to crude remarks, particularly Allahbadia’s comments about parents and sex. Mukhija’s own statements, including a provocative remark about a contestant, drew criticism for being offensive, leading to multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against her, Raina, Allahbadia, and the show’s organizers in Mumbai and Guwahati.
The backlash was severe, with Mukhija facing rape and death threats, as reported by her friend and content creator Rida Tharana. Tharana condemned the threats on Instagram, highlighting the gendered nature of the abuse, stating, “Some people hate women simply for being women, just for breathing, existing, loving themselves, and daring to grow.” Mukhija was summoned by the Mumbai Police and the National Commission for Women (NCW) in February, where she recorded her statement and submitted a written apology. She was also removed from the list of official ambassadors for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Jaipur and dropped from Rajasthan Tourism’s treasure hunt shoots.
The controversy forced Mukhija to take a hiatus from social media, during which she unfollowed everyone on Instagram, reducing her following count to zero. She also deleted all her Instagram posts and vacated her Mumbai apartment after police visits prompted complaints from building management, who cited issues with renting to single women. In April 2025, Mukhija returned to YouTube with a video titled “Till I Say It Is,” addressing the abuse she faced, including threats and slut-shaming. She opened up about personal struggles, such as an abusive past relationship and self-harm during her teenage years, revealing the emotional toll of the controversy. The video resonated with some fans, who praised her resilience, while others criticized her for playing the victim.
Paris Concert Incident
In March 2025, Mukhija made headlines again for a disruptive incident at a Sabrina Carpenter concert in Paris. A TikTok video, later shared on Reddit and X, showed her using camera flashes and filming loudly, annoying nearby attendees. A security guard intervened, shining a flashlight and asking her to return to her seat, to which Mukhija responded irritably, reportedly saying, “Main thappad mar doongi usko” (I will slap them). The incident, captioned in French as “POV: We were at the concert, and she was filming her own music video,” sparked mixed reactions. Some fans appreciated her enthusiasm, while others criticized her for lacking “mannerism.” This event, coming weeks after the India’s Got Latent fallout, added to Mukhija’s controversial public image.
Career Background and Rise to Fame
Apoorva Mukhija, a 25-year-old from Noida, gained prominence during the COVID-19 lockdown with her humorous, relatable Instagram skits and reels. With a BTech in Computer Engineering from Manipal University, Jaipur, she initially worked as a junior fashion editor and entertainment writer at iDiva before transitioning to full-time content creation. Her Instagram following stands at 2.6 million, with 500,000 YouTube subscribers, and her videos often surpass millions of views. Mukhija has collaborated with over 150 brands, including Nike, Maybelline, Google India, and Swiggy, earning her a spot on Forbes India’s Digital Stars lists in 2023 and 2024. Her content, known for its candid commentary on everyday life, resonates with Gen Z and millennial audiences, particularly for its unfiltered humor.
Mumbai Move and Future Plans
In June 2025, Mukhija revealed plans to leave Mumbai, citing limited growth opportunities due to the city’s accessibility. In an interview with Mashable India, she expressed her desire to pursue a master’s degree in fashion or management abroad, having already taken competitive exams. She noted, “Mumbai me kitna accessible hai sab kuch. Agar mujhe kisi director se meeting karni hai, mujhe 15 phone call lagenge, lekin ho jaegi meeting” (Everything is so accessible in Mumbai. If I want a meeting with a director, it takes 15 calls, but it happens). This move reflects her ambition to expand her career globally, potentially in fashion or entertainment, while continuing to create content.
Public Perception and Challenges
Mukhija’s public image is a mix of admiration and criticism. Her fans, particularly young women, admire her confidence and relatability, as seen in her high engagement rates (17.21% as per Forbes India). However, her outspoken nature has drawn detractors, especially after the India’s Got Latent controversy. Posts on X, such as one by @anujistired on September 6, 2025, defended her against excessive hate, stating, “Crying after getting r@pe and murder threats, having your location doxxed, and men wanting to throw acid on your face isn’t playing the victim card.” Others, however, continue to troll her, questioning her relevance and the content of her upcoming tour.
The influencer’s challenges highlight the broader issues faced by women in the public eye, particularly in India’s digital space, where gendered abuse and threats are common. Mukhija’s resilience in returning to content creation and pursuing new projects underscores her determination to move past controversies, but the persistent scrutiny suggests she remains a polarizing figure.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
Mukhija’s journey reflects the evolving role of influencers in India’s entertainment industry. Her transition from Instagram reels to OTT platforms and live tours mirrors the trajectory of peers like Kusha Kapila and Dolly Singh, who have also ventured into acting and live events. The India’s Got Latent controversy has sparked debates about digital content regulation, with a parliamentary committee urging the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to establish stricter guidelines for podcasts and OTT platforms. This could impact Mukhija’s future content, particularly her provocative humor.
The India tour, if successful, could redefine Mukhija’s career, offering a platform to showcase her storytelling and connect with fans directly. However, its success hinges on addressing skepticism about the tour’s content and delivering engaging performances. Her planned move abroad may further elevate her brand, potentially positioning her as a global influencer or fashion industry figure.
Conclusion
As of September 2025, Apoorva Mukhija remains a dynamic and controversial figure in India’s digital and entertainment landscape. Her India tour announcement, acting roles in Nadaaniyan and The Traitors, and recovery from the India’s Got Latent controversy highlight her resilience and ambition. Despite facing severe backlash, including threats and professional setbacks, Mukhija continues to engage her 2.6 million Instagram followers with her candid, relatable content. The Paris concert incident and ongoing trolling underscore the challenges of her public persona, yet her plans to pursue international education and expand her career suggest a forward-looking approach. As Mukhija navigates the complexities of fame, her story reflects the power and pitfalls of being a young, outspoken woman in India’s rapidly evolving digital age.
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