In a moment that resonated widely on social media, the IPL anchor and digital creator Sahiba Bali publicly extended his support to the comedian Samay Raina After the release of his special stand called Still Alive. The gesture was seen as both personal and powerful, especially given the circumstances surrounding Raina’s recent journey.
Sahiba Bali stands firmly behind Samay Raina
The special marks a significant comeback for Raina, who has largely stayed away from the limelight after facing a strong backlash over India’s Got Latent controversy. In this context, Bali’s message stood out—not just as a casual endorsement, but as someone who had witnessed her struggles and growth over time.
On Instagram Stories, Bali shared an emotional note about her experience of Raina’s journey. He revealed that he was involved in both the now-cancelled episode of India’s Got Latent and the live taping of Still Alive, offering a rare behind-the-scenes perspective. His words have aroused the great interest of both his fans and followers.
“I saw the canceled episode live, I saw you cut the song but still sing and play guitar live, I saw you perform Still Alive live. Seeing you make people realize that love always wins over hate live.”
Along with his heartfelt message, he posted a photo of Raina and added the Korean heart gesture – symbolizing love, encouragement and unwavering support. The post quickly gained attention, with many praising her for standing by the comedian at a vulnerable stage.
‘Still Alive’: Samay Raina’s comeback is rooted in honesty
Released on YouTube on April 7, 2026, “Still Alive” has been widely described as one of Raina’s most honest and introspective works to date. The special isn’t just about comedy—it’s about vulnerability, accountability, and the emotional weight of societal scrutiny.
Raina used the platform to address the controversy that followed an episode in India undercover in 2025, where an inappropriate remark by a guest sparked outrage across the country. The fallout was violent, leading to multiple FIRs, widespread criticism and the eventual cancellation of the show. For Raina, the experience was not only professionally damaging, but also deeply personal.
In Still Alive, he talked about the aftermath — particularly the guilt he carried when people associated with the show received threats and legal notices. Rather than shying away from the subject, he confronted it head-on, mixing humor with insight that felt both raw and relatable.
The special also touched on the unpredictable nature of internet fame, where admiration can quickly turn to criticism. Raina’s stories offer insight into the pressures faced by public figures, making the performance more than just entertainment – ​​it becomes a narrative of resilience.
Bali’s endorsement, in this context, adds emotional depth to the special reception. Having seen both her lowest moments and her comebacks vividly, her words attest to the authenticity of her journey.
Sahiba Bali’s own argument
What makes Bali’s support even more meaningful is that he himself is recent faced severe public scrutiny. Known for her work in films like Laila Majnu and her presence as a sports anchor, she has gained a strong digital following. However, earlier this month, he found himself at the center of controversy after old video clips resurfaced online.
The clips showed him talking about his childhood visit to Pakistan and his views on the widely circulated and variously interpreted ‘Kashmir Papers’. The situation quickly turned into a digital backlash, with many questioning his statements.
Bali reiterated that he is a proud Indian, clarifying that his comments were taken out of context. Despite the criticism, he handled the situation with a cool head and chose to deal with the problem rather than run away from it.
