A viral post from an IIT graduate has triggered widespread debate after commenting on content creator Apoorva Mukhija’s supposed “Rs 41 crore empire.” Apoorva Mukhija - better known online as The Rebel Kid - was reported to earn up to Rs 2.5 lakh daily and command Rs 6 lakh per reel, resulting in a net worth estimate of Rs 41 crore. The reality, she says, is far more modest - she's clarified her worth is “not even one‑tenth” of that reported and she rents clothes, wears a ₹20,000 watch, and hasn’t built a real estate portfolio.

The IIT alumnus, who studied 14-hour days to crack one of India's toughest exams, lamented that while his academic achievements remain obscure, Mukhija’s bold reels - featuring semi-nudes and casual swear words - have turned her into a purported crorepati . The post read: “Cracked toughest exam… barely 100 people know me… someone earning crores by making reels… Is the world truly fair?”.

Public reaction has been split. Some defend her creativity and effort, noting apples-to-oranges comparisons are unfair, while others argue this reflects misplaced societal values . The conversation raises deeper questions about how influencer success is perceived compared to traditional markers of achievement.