Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known online as The Rebel Kid, has responded to viral claims about her alleged net worth and daily income. Social media was abuzz with speculation following a Business Today article that pegged her earnings at Rs 2.5 lakh per day and estimated her online brand’s valuation at Rs 41 crore. However, Mukhija has now cleared the air.

Apoorva's reaction on Rs. 41 cr net worth

Mukhija took to Instagram Stories to respond to the figures that have been widely circulated. Sharing a snapshot of the report, which stated she earns “Rs 2.5 lakh every single day” and “charges up to Rs 6 lakh for a reel ad,” she reacted with a brief but clear dismissal:
“Galat hai bhai????”

The post, which referenced her popular alter ego “Kaleshi Aurat,” suggested she had amassed a fortune by creating content that resonates with Gen Z, known for its humorous, bold, and often edgy tone. Mukhija’s statement, however, suggests that the income figures being reported are inflated or incorrect.

Viral IIT vs Influencer Debate Sparks Online Firestorm

The earnings claim became the focal point of a wider discussion after an IIT alumnus, posting under the handle @digitalsangghi on X (formerly Twitter), shared a note contrasting the grind of academic life with the apparent ease of success in content creation.

“Studied 14 hrs a day to crack India’s toughest engineering exam, gave up home, friends, cousins, sleep, and dreams – got into IIT… Today? Not even 100 people know me.”

The user pointed out the emotional toll of pursuing a traditional academic path and juxtaposed it with the virality and financial rewards that content creators like Mukhija enjoy.

He added: “Meanwhile… reels, red lipstick, semi-nudes, and abusing openly, using BC MC as filler can make Rs 41 crore empire. World’s truly fair.”

Internet Divided Over Meritocracy vs Virality

The post quickly went viral, igniting a debate over what defines “real” success in the digital age. Some users criticized the comparison as reductive and judgmental, arguing that both academic and creative careers require hard work and bring value in different ways. Others resonated with the underlying frustration of unrecognized academic labor.

Mukhija’s bold online persona has won her a large following, but this episode shows that success in the digital space is often met with scrutiny and polarizing opinions. By breaking her silence with a sarcastic dismissal, she’s reminded everyone not to take viral numbers at face value.