Popular content creator Apoorva Mukhija, widely known on the internet as ‘The Rebel Kid’, is setting the record straight about her latest life milestone. Apoorva recently shocked her massive fanbase by announcing her relocation to New York City to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the prestigious New York University’s Stern School of Business. However, as is common with internet fame, her admission quickly sparked rumors, with some netizens alleging that she secured her spot at the Ivy League-adjacent institution through a hefty donation.
Refusing to let the internet downplay her achievements, Apoorva recently uploaded a new ‘Storytime’ video on her YouTube channel to directly address the speculations.
Leveraging Real-World Experience Over Donations
In her video, Apoorva Mukhija firmly denied the allegations that she paid her way into NYU. Instead, she credited her lifelong dedication to her studies and her unique professional journey. “I have been exceptional in my academics all my life,” Apoorva clarified.
She went on to explain that getting into a top-tier MBA program requires more than just good grades; it requires practical, real-world business acumen. Apoorva detailed how she strategically used her extensive experience working with numerous high-profile brands as a digital creator to build a compelling and competitive application for the university. By translating her content creation journey into a legitimate business portfolio, she secured her spot at NYU purely on merit.
Moving Past the ‘India’s Got Latent’ Controversy
Apoorva Mukhija’s decision to pack up her life and move to New York comes on the heels of a highly tumultuous period in her career. In early 2025, she faced severe backlash and was heavily “cancelled” following her appearance on comedian Samay Raina’s reality show, India’s Got Latent. A heated confrontation with a contestant and a controversial joke led to massive social media outrage, multiple FIRs, and disturbing death and rape threats.
In a recent appearance on the Untriggered By AminJaz podcast, Apoorva opened up about the emotional toll of the controversy. Admitting that she was exhausted by the constant cycle of being cancelled and having to mount a comeback, she revealed that the backlash severely impacted her brand deals and mental peace. While she acknowledged that her impulsiveness has come at a cost, she stated she wouldn’t erase those mistakes as they shaped who she is today.
A Fresh Start: The “Kaleshi Aurat” is Dead
Now living in a dorm in New York, Apoorva Mukhija is looking forward to experiencing regular student life and stepping away from the intense spotlight of the Indian influencer space. She expressed her desire to build a social circle beyond fellow content creators and immerse herself in the fast-paced, culturally rich environment of NYC.
“The kaleshi aurat (drama-loving woman) is dead now,” Apoorva declared, adding that her approach to content creation will change. Moving forward, she plans to post content only when she genuinely feels like it, prioritizing her education, mental well-being, and her new life in the city over consistent vlogging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Did Apoorva Mukhija give a donation to get into NYU?
No. Apoorva Mukhija recently clarified on her YouTube channel that she did not pay a donation to secure her admission. She stated that she has always been academically exceptional and used her extensive business experience working with brands to get into New York University.
What is Apoorva Mukhija studying in New York?
Apoorva is currently pursuing an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Why did Apoorva Mukhija move out of India?
Following the intense backlash and FIRs related to her controversial appearance on India’s Got Latent, Apoorva decided to move to New York. She wanted to step away from the toxic cycle of internet cancellation, pursue higher education, and build a new social circle outside the influencer industry.
What was the ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy involving Apoorva?
During an episode of Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent, Apoorva got into a heated exchange with a contestant and made a vulgar joke. The incident sparked massive outrage, leading to FIRs and severe online trolling, which significantly impacted her career and mental health at the time.
