Content creator and social media personality Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known as The Rebel Kid, has moved to New York, where she is reportedly pursuing an MBA at NYU Stern. The move marks a new phase in her career after several years of growing visibility, controversies and intense scrutiny on social media.
Mukhija has indicated that relocating to the US is about more than education. She has spoken about wanting to step away from the constant pressure associated with being a public-facing internet personality and experience life away from the expectations surrounding her online identity.
The creator has previously discussed how being known as “The Rebel Kid” became closely tied to her public image. According to her, spending years creating content and remaining relevant online sometimes made it difficult to separate her personal identity from her social media persona. Her move to New York, she has suggested, is giving her an opportunity to meet new people and experience a different environment.
New York marks a new chapter
Mukhija reportedly plans to use her experience in New York not only for her education but also to explore future business opportunities. She has expressed an intention to eventually return to India and use what she learns to develop her own business and brand.
Her decision comes after a period in which her personal life and professional career repeatedly became subjects of public discussion. From friendships and relationships to television appearances and social media controversies, much of Mukhija's life has unfolded in the public eye.
Uorfi Javed equation revisited
Her relationship with actor and content creator Uorfi Javed also attracted considerable attention after both appeared in the first season of The Traitors. Their disagreements on the reality show became one of the talking points surrounding the season.
More recently, Mukhija spoke positively about Javed while discussing the show, saying she found her entertaining. Javed subsequently clarified that Mukhija had blocked her on social media, rather than the other way around.
The exchange brought their equation back into public discussion, although neither has indicated that they have fully resolved their differences.
Breakup became a public controversy
Mukhija's relationship with Utsav Dahiya also became a major topic of online discussion following their breakup. Dahiya later released a song titled Cute Little Red Flag, which was widely interpreted as being connected to their relationship.
The fallout included allegations and counter-narratives about their relationship. Mukhija did not respond publicly to every allegation, while some of her subsequent social media posts were interpreted by followers as references to the controversy.
Dating rumours continue
Mukhija's personal life has continued to attract attention, particularly following her appearance on Amin Jaz's podcast. Their conversation touched on relationships, dating and breakups, while their on-screen chemistry prompted speculation among viewers.
There has been no official confirmation from either regarding a relationship. Mukhija has also previously been linked with The Traitors contestant Purav Jha, although she has indicated that she was single.
India's Got Latent controversy
One of the most significant controversies in Mukhija's career followed her appearance on Samay Raina's India's Got Latent in February 2025. The episode became the subject of widespread criticism over remarks made during the show, including a comment involving a contestant's mother.
The controversy resulted in complaints and police action involving people associated with the episode. Mukhija faced substantial online criticism and trolling, while reports also emerged that she was removed from an IIFA ambassador role following the backlash.
She later spoke about the impact of the episode and the trolling surrounding it, including the effect on her family.
From creator to entertainment personality
Despite the controversies, Mukhija continued developing her career beyond short-form digital content. She moved into acting with Nadaaniyan and later appeared on The Traitors, expanding her presence in mainstream entertainment.
Her friendship with fellow creator Sufi Motiwala also became a public issue after their relationship reportedly deteriorated following The Traitors. Motiwala publicly discussed the end of their friendship and alleged that Mukhija had not supported him during online backlash from her followers.
Now, with her move to New York and reported studies at NYU Stern, Mukhija is attempting to build a life beyond the constant attention that accompanied her rise as a digital creator. While her online identity continues to attract public interest, the move suggests a shift towards education, personal space and longer-term plans outside the immediate social media cycle.
