24 July,2026 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sufi Motiwala and Apoorva Mukhija (Pictures via X)
Influencer and Lock Upp contestant Apoorva Mukhija has opened up about one of the darkest phases of her life, revealing that she struggled with suicidal thoughts during the controversy surrounding India's Got Latent. In an emotional conversation, Apoorva said the intense online backlash and constant trolling pushed her to a breaking point, and credited fellow content creator Sufi Motiwala for helping her through the difficult period.
Reflecting on the controversy, Apoorva admitted that the relentless criticism took a severe toll on her mental health. She revealed that there were moments when she felt completely hopeless and believed she would not be able to cope with the emotional burden.
Speaking candidly, Apoorva said, "I would've killed myself." She explained that the hate she received online became overwhelming and left her questioning whether she could continue. "There came a point where I genuinely felt I couldn't handle it anymore," she shared, adding that the experience changed her perspective on the impact of cyberbullying and public scrutiny.
The influencer said that while many people distanced themselves from her during the controversy, Sufi Motiwala stood firmly by her side. She expressed gratitude for his unwavering support, saying he was one of the few people who checked on her consistently without expecting anything in return.
Thanking him publicly, Apoorva said Sufi's presence made a significant difference during one of the lowest points of her life. She recalled how he reached out regularly, offered emotional support and reminded her that she was not alone despite the negativity surrounding her.
The Lock Upp contestant admitted that the experience made her realise how isolating online hate can become. According to Apoorva, social media users often forget that public figures are also human beings who can be deeply affected by constant abuse and judgment.
She also urged people to be more mindful of the consequences of online harassment, stressing that harsh comments and trolling can have serious effects on an individual's mental well-being. Apoorva said that kindness and empathy are often overlooked in the digital world, even though they can make a life-changing difference for someone in distress.
Her candid revelation has sparked conversations around mental health, cyberbullying and the responsibility of online communities. Many social media users have praised Apoorva for speaking openly about her struggles and for highlighting the importance of seeking support during difficult times.
While she acknowledged that the controversy left lasting emotional scars, Apoorva said she has slowly begun healing and moving forward. She hopes that by sharing her experience, others facing similar struggles will understand that asking for help is a sign of strength and that no one should have to battle such emotions alone.
