Apoorva Mukhija
Apoorva Mukhija | |
|---|---|
 Apoorva Mukhija in 2025 | |
| Born | July 28, 2001 New Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | B.Tech in Computer Science, Manipal University, Jaipur |
| Alma mater | Manipal University, Jaipur |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2019–present |
| Known for | The Rebel Kid, comedic skits, social commentary, India's Got Latent,The Traitors |
| Notable work | Who’s Your Gynac?, Nadaaniyan, Baat Pakki |
| Awards | Forbes India Top 100 Digital Stars (2023, 2024) |
Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known as The Rebel Kid or Kaleshi Aurat, is an Indian digital content creator, YouTuber, social media influencer, and actress recognized for her comedic sketches, candid vlogs, and incisive social commentary. She gained prominence during the COVID-19 lockdown through her relatable and humorous Instagram reels and YouTube videos, which often address youth culture, modern relationships, and societal norms. Mukhija was featured in Forbes India's Top 100 Digital Stars lists in 2023 and 2024 for her influence in India's digital entertainment space.[1][2]
Early Life and Education
Apoorva Mukhija was born on July 28, 2001, in New Delhi, India, and raised in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. She comes from a middle-class family, with her mother, Anita Mukhija, a teacher at The SD Vidya School in Ambala Cantt, and her father, a government employee. She has a younger brother who has occasionally appeared in her vlogs. Mukhija displayed an early interest in drama, debates, and storytelling during her school years.[3][4]
She completed her schooling at Khaitan Public School, Convent of Jesus and Mary in New Delhi, and Delhi Public School in Panipat. She pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Science at Manipal University, Jaipur, graduating in 2022. During her college years, she began experimenting with content creation, posting humorous videos that gained traction online.[5][6]
Career
Apoorva Mukhija digital career began in 2019 with a YouTube video titled “If Beauty Gurus Were Honest,” but her popularity surged during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown with relatable skits and vlogs capturing the essence of Gen Z life. Her content, characterized by sharp wit, sarcasm, and bold commentary, resonates with a young audience, particularly women. She has amassed over 2.6 million Instagram followers and 500,000 YouTube subscribers as of 2025.[7]
She has collaborated with over 150 brands, including Nike, Kate Spade, Amazon, Meta, Maybelline, Netflix, and OnePlus, and has appeared in TV commercials for Flipkart and web series like Who’s Your Gynac? (2023). In 2024, she walked the ramp for designer Tarun Tahiliani and starred in a YouTube drama series by TerriblyTinyTales, sponsored by Manyavar-Mohey. Mukhija also advocates for mental health, often discussing therapy and digital burnout.[8]
Before her full-time content creation career, Mukhija held internships and roles in web development, marketing, and sales, including positions at The Sparks Foundation, MX TakaTak, CodeMath, Swiggy Dineout, and Dell Technologies as a Specialist in Inside Product.
Controversies
In February 2025, Apoorva Mukhija faced significant backlash following her appearance on the YouTube show India’s Got Latent, hosted by Samay Raina. Her comments, including an inappropriate remark about a contestant’s reference to “vaginal sensation,” alongside controversial statements by guest Ranveer Allahbadia, led to widespread criticism for promoting obscenity. An FIR was filed against Mukhija, Raina, and Allahbadia, and the show was removed from YouTube on February 12, 2025. Mukhija reported receiving threats of rape and murder, and she was dropped as an IIFA Ambassador in Jaipur after threats from the Karni Sena.[9][10]
Additionally, at the 2025 Under 25 Summit at Delhi Technological University, Apoorva Mukhija engaged in a heated exchange with hecklers, with a viral video showing her using strong language, further fueling online debates about her outspoken persona. She has addressed such controversies, arguing that women face harsher judgment for bold expression compared to men.[11]
A significant milestone in 2025 was her participation in The Traitors India, a Prime Video reality show hosted by Karan Johar, which premiered on June 12, 2025. Mukhija’s role as a contestant in the trust-and-betrayal format garnered attention for her strategic gameplay and outspoken personality, further elevating her visibility in the entertainment industry. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed a desire to take a break from reality shows, citing the emotional intensity of the format.[12][13]
Personal Life
Apoorva Mukhija keeps her personal life private but has shared that she enjoys traveling, adventure sports, and exploring new cuisines. She was previously in a relationship with Utsav Dahiya, an investment banker. Her mother frequently appears in her videos, and Apoorva Mukhija credits her family for supporting her career. She is passionate about fashion and aspires to direct a feature film.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Apoorva Mukhija’s estimated net worth ranges from ₹70–85 lakh to ₹3 crore, primarily earned through social media, brand endorsements, and acting.[14][15]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Who’s Your Gynac? | Unknown | Web Series |
| 2025 | Nadaaniyan | Actress | |
| 2025 | Baat Pakki | Actress | |
| 2025 | The Traitors | Reality show |
Awards and Recognition
- Forbes India Top 100 Digital Stars (2023, 2024) – Ranked 2nd in 2023 and 8th in 2024[16]
References
- ↑ https://www.indiatoday.in/trending-news/story/apoorva-makhija-the-rebel-kid-trolled-objectionable-remarks-samay-raina-youtube-show-stmp-2678206-2025-02-11
- ↑ https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ranveer-allahabadia-remark-row-who-is-apoorva-mukhija-indias-got-latent-panellist-under-fire-101739344336395.html
- ↑ https://leaderbiography.com/apoorva-mukhija-the-rebel-kid/#:~:text=Born%20on%20July%2028%2C%202001,world%20of%20media%20and%20performance.
- ↑ https://www.jagranjosh.com/web-stories/rebel-kid-aka-apoorva-mukhija-educational-qualifications-and-career-journey-125091
- ↑ https://hindi.oneindia.com/news/entertainment/apoorva-mukhija-net-worth-career-earnings-education-of-the-rebel-kid-insights-know-in-hindi-1222915.html
- ↑ https://hindi.news18.com/news/career/education-who-is-rebel-kid-apoorva-mukhija-education-qualification-net-worth-who-left-job-and-become-influencer-booked-in-indias-got-latent-controversy-9030505.html
- ↑ https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/who-is-apoorva-mukhija-rebel-kid-kaleshi-aurat-mumbai-influencer-samay-raina-india-got-latent-show-comment-1750491
- ↑ https://www.socialketchup.in/trailer-review/baat-pakki-teaser-8618472
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/who-is-apoorva-makhija-aka-the-rebel-kid-youtuber-who-came-on-samay-rainas-indias-got-latent-and-slammed-for-her-foul-language/articleshow/118139450.cms
- ↑ https://in.mashable.com/entertainment/96771/apoorva-makhija-on-how-her-parents-reacted-toindias-got-latent-controversy-laga-mazak-ho-raha-hai
- ↑ https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/apoorva-mukhija-on-receiving-backlash-threats-after-india-s-got-latent-controversy-i-had-more-security-threats-intensity-was-different-exclusive-article-13242646.html
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/the-traitors-apoorva-mukhija-reacts-to-purav-jha-being-unmasked-as-a-traitor-admits-i-really-wanted-him-to-win/articleshow/122309962.cms
- ↑ https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/the-traitors-apoorva-mukhija-on-finding-out-purav-jhas-identity/story
- ↑ https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/apoorva-mukhija-charges-rs-6-lakh-for-a-reel-net-worth-is-rs-41-crore-content-creator-reacts-to-viral-buzz-the-traitors-101751800162092.html
- ↑ https://zeenews.india.com/people/is-apoorva-mukhijas-net-worth-rs-41-crore-the-rebel-kid-reacts-to-viral-claims-2927209.html
- ↑ https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2024-digital-stars/profile/apoorva-mukhija/8