The 50: Prince Narula, Karan Patel, Ridhi Dogra Start TV Vs YouTubers Debate; Claim Influencers Lack Ethics

The ongoing reality show The 50 has already sparked controversy, and it has little to do with tasks or eliminations. Instead, a heated conversation between television actors on the show has gone viral

where the topic of conversation was 'ethics' and acting skills of YouTubers. In a recent episode, Prince Narula, Karan Patel and Ridhi Dogra were seen openly criticising YouTubers and influencers, claiming that their rise has diluted the value of trained actors. Their remarks quickly spread like wildfire on the internet, and have divided netizens.

Have influences reduced the value of actors in the industry?

The 50 brings together actors, influencers and YouTubers under one roof, pushing them to compete in physical and mental challenges while also helping their fans win prize money. While the concept promises unity across platforms, the reality inside the house appears far more fractured.In one of the recent episodes, Prince Narula, Karan Patel and Ridhi Dogra were seen chatting over a meal when the conversation turned towards the growing presence of YouTubers and influencers in mainstream entertainment. Prince didn’t hold back, stating that the industry has suffered ever since digital creators were brought into the fold. He claimed that influencers have reduced the value of those who truly belong to the acting profession and have undergone years of training and struggle.

Karan Patel backed Prince’s opinion with a sharp remark, comparing the situation to “making donkeys run in a horse race,” implying that influencers are being placed in spaces they are not qualified for. Prince further elaborated that influencers’ popularity has been artificially inflated by collaborations with filmmakers and singers, who are encouraged to make reels with them to boost visibility. According to him, this has created a false sense of importance around influencers, despite their alleged inability to act for 'more than 12 seconds'. He bluntly stated that many of them cannot act or even speak properly once placed in front of a professional camera.Ridhi Dogra then called out what she believes is a lack of ethics among influencers. While acknowledging their hype and reach, she pointed out that actors still have to put in years of hard work, discipline and consistency to sustain their careers. Karan echoed this sentiment, saying how actors from his generation had limited opportunities and had to slog their way up without the advantage of instant fame through smartphones and social media platforms.

Karan Patel's The 50 controversy

This is not the first time Karan is involved in a controversy in the show, which is not even a week old. The show had barely begun when popular YouTuber Vanshaj Singh was eliminated, a decision taken collectively by captains Karan Patel, Prince Narula, Faisal Shaikh aka Faisu, Krishna Shroff and Shiv Thakare. The reason cited was Vanshaj’s minimal interaction with other contestants. However, Vanshaj clearly didn’t take his exit lightly.Taking to Instagram, Vanshaj posted a screengrab of Karan Patel from the first episode, adding clown emojis and launching a personal attack. He mocked Karan’s age, made derogatory remarks about his health, and openly declared that he would remain a “lifetime hater.” Vanshaj also targeted Prince Narula in a similar manner, criticising him for supporting the elimination.