07 July,2026 11:41 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ashneer Grover and Madhuri Jain Grover (Picture via Instagram)
Entrepreneur Ashneer Grover has hit back at an online troll after his wife, Madhuri Jain Grover, faced criticism for her controversial comments about wealthy and poor families having children. His sharp response has now gone viral on social media, adding another chapter to the debate that began on the reality show Lock Upp.
The controversy started after Madhuri, who is currently a contestant on the show, opened up about a deeply personal regret during a task. She revealed that she and Ashneer had once wanted a third child, but family circumstances and delayed decisions meant it was no longer possible. While sharing her thoughts, she remarked that affluent families having more children would increase prosperity, whereas larger families among the poor would lead to more poverty. The statement quickly sparked criticism online, with many calling it insensitive and elitist.
Soon after, an X user tagged Ashneer Grover and questioned why, if the family held such views, he did not donate his reported Rs 900 crore wealth. The user suggested that distributing the money among thousands of families would help them raise their children and reduce poverty instead of keeping such wealth for just two children.
Ashneer, known for his blunt social media style, responded with sarcasm. He wrote in Hindi, "Bheek/Chanda maangne ka tareeka thoda casual hai," loosely translating to, "The way of asking for alms is a bit too casual." He followed it up by saying that his wife had already shared enough "wisdom" and implied that the troll would only get as much as deserved. His response immediately gained traction online, with screenshots circulating across social media platforms.
The exchange divided internet users. While several people praised Ashneer's quick-witted comeback, calling it classic "Ashneer style," others argued that the response failed to address the criticism surrounding Madhuri's original comments. Many maintained that the discussion should focus on the larger issue of social inequality rather than sarcasm.
Madhuri's remarks have continued to dominate conversations surrounding Lock Upp, overshadowing several developments from the show. Her statement drew widespread criticism from viewers, with many accusing her of reducing family planning to financial status. Others defended her, saying her comments were taken out of context while she was discussing her personal regret about not having another child.
Despite the backlash, Ashneer's latest response has ensured that the controversy remains a trending topic, with social media users continuing to debate both Madhuri's remarks and his unfiltered reaction.
