Cinema VinesA content creator who has built a sizable following on YouTube and Instagram, Apoorva Mukhija—better known by her online alias “The Rebel Kid”—has recently relocated to New York to pursue an MBA at New York University’s Stern School of Business. Mukhija, who has amassed 4.8 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.8 million followers on Instagram, posted a new Storytime video to address circulating rumors that she had secured admission through financial contributions.
In the video, Mukhija dismissed the speculation, stating that she does not possess the wealth required to make substantial donations and that the tuition fees at NYU are already steep. She emphasized her academic record, noting that she has consistently performed exceptionally in all her studies. She also highlighted her extensive professional experience, having worked with top brands across India, participated in reality television, and acted in various projects. According to her, she runs a business that has been active for five years, employing a team and managing a growing online presence.
Mukhija added that her interview skills are a key factor in her success. “I have employees who work under me. I have a team that works with me. My interview skills are top notch,” she said. “If you ever interview me for any job, I will get it because I know how to talk!” She concluded that her admission to NYU was earned through merit rather than monetary influence.
The controversy surrounding Mukhija began in February 2025, when her comments on the reality show “India’s Got Talent” (referred to as “India’s Got Latent” in the source) sparked backlash. She was part of a panel that included Ranveer Allahbadia, and her confrontation with a contestant drew criticism on social media. Following the incident, FIRs were filed against those involved, and Mukhija reported receiving death and rape threats.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Mukhija recently appeared on the reality show “Lock Upp,” where she joined as an informant for two weeks to stir up the house dynamics. The show concluded with Shreya Kalra emerging as the winner.
Senior content producer Santanu Das of the Hindustan Times, who has covered film festivals such as Sundance and CPH: Docx, noted the broader context of Mukhija’s career. Das, a gold‑medalist graduate of Banaras Hindu University and a postgraduate in English from Jadavpur University, has a keen interest in South Asian independent films and writes the monthly column “The Fault in Our Stars.” He highlighted how Mukhija’s trajectory reflects the intersection of digital influence and traditional media platforms.
