Entertainment
Anubhav Singh Bassi’s ‘Cheating’ Crossed 100 Million YouTube Views
Anubhav Singh Bassi’s 2019 video became the first standalone long-form stand-up special by an Indian comedian to cross 100 million views.
Anubhav Singh Bassi’s stand-up comedy video Cheating has crossed 100 million views on YouTube, marking a major milestone for India’s stand-up comedy scene. Released in April 2019, the video is reported to be the first standalone long-form stand-up comedy video by an individual Indian comedian to reach the mark. The video draws on Bassi’s college experiences, where he and his friends planned “samuhik cheating” during exams. He initially created it to attract viewers and boost live show ticket sales. Today, it stands among his most-watched online performances. Bassi’s anecdotal humour and relaxed storytelling connect with audiences through relatable experiences and memorable punchlines. His stories continue to resonate across generations. Seven years after its release, Cheating continues to attract viewers in India and overseas.
Four of India’s Most-Watched Stand-Up Videos Belong to Bassi
The milestone extends beyond a single video. According to the announcement, four of the five most-watched standalone stand-up comedy videos on YouTube in India belong to Bassi.
Cheating leads the list, followed by Roommate and Hostel in second and third place, respectively. The figures highlight the continued popularity of Bassi’s storytelling-led comedy and the long-term viewership that stand-up performances can build on digital platforms.
Unlike short clips designed for quick consumption, these long-form performances allow comedians to develop stories, build context and deliver punchlines over an extended format. Cheating demonstrates how relatable experiences can continue to find new audiences years after a video is first published.
Anubhav Singh Bassi Never Expected 100 Million Views
Reacting to the milestone, Bassi said he initially hoped the video would reach five million views. He expected this milestone to boost ticket sales and give his comedy career a push. However, he never imagined Cheating would reach 100 million views, especially seven years after its release. Bassi also highlighted the video’s cross-generational appeal. He recalled people in their 50s and 60s relating to his performance, alongside their grandchildren.
The comedian also recalled assuming that music videos, particularly Punjabi songs, were the usual contenders for the 100-million-view milestone. When Cheating reached 80 million views, he began to realise how large the audience for stand-up comedy had become.
Bassi credited the wider stand-up comedy community, thanking senior performers, peers and younger comedians for helping the industry grow. He called the achievement a milestone for performers across cities and also hoped more comedy videos and specials would join the 100-million-view club.
He also said the record had been registered with the Guinness Book. However, the announcement did not provide independent confirmation of a Guinness World Records title.
From College Stories to a Lasting Digital Hit
Bassi moved from studying law and preparing for the UPSC exams to stand-up comedy, turning everyday experiences into stories audiences recognise. Cheating, with its account of college mischief and collective exam-room planning, helped establish his reach on YouTube.
The video’s continued popularity highlights how digital platforms can extend the life of comedy performances. A special uploaded years ago can continue reaching new viewers long after its release. This allows comedians to build audiences beyond live shows and television appearances. Bassi continues to perform his solo stand-up show Kisi Ko Batana Mat, which is scheduled for release later in 2026, according to the announcement.
Seven years after Cheating was uploaded, its 100-million-view milestone marks a significant moment for Bassi and Indian stand-up comedy. What began as a story about students trying to get through an examination has become a long-running digital hit, connecting audiences across age groups and geographies.
