Who is Dhruv Rathee? Meet the Youtuber who has risen as the ruling regime’s most visible critic |

On July 19, 2024, a Delhi court issued a summons to YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in a defamation suit filed by BJP Mumbai spokesperson Suresh Karamshi Nakhua. The case revolves around a video Rathee uploaded on July 7, 2024, in which he allegedly referred to Nakhua as part of “violent and abusive trolls.” With over 24 million views and over 2.3 million likes, the video “My Reply to Godi Youtubers | Elvish Yadav | Dhruv Rathee” has received a lot of attention.Nakhua claims that Rathee’s statements have severely damaged his reputation, leading to widespread condemnation and ridicule. The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 6, 2024.

So who is Dhruv Rathee?

Born on October 8, 1994, in Haryana, India, Dhruv Rathee is a prominent YouTuber, social media influencer, and activist known for his critical analysis of Indian politics and social issues. He completed his schooling in Haryana and later pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. Rathee’s journey into the world of YouTube began in 2014 when he started creating videos on environmental issues and science.
Rathee’s content gradually shifted towards political commentary, and he gained significant attention for his videos critiquing the policies and actions of the Indian government, particularly those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His videos often include detailed research, data analysis, and fact-checking, which have earned him a substantial following. His YouTube channel has over 10 million subscribers as of 2024.
One of Rathee’s most notable videos is “The Modi Government’s Biggest Failures,” which he released in 2017. This video, along with others, positioned him as a vocal critic of the Modi administration. Rathee has also addressed various social issues, including environmental degradation, economic policies, and human rights violations. His ability to simplify complex topics and present them in an engaging manner has resonated with a broad audience, particularly the youth.
Rathee’s outspoken nature has not been without consequences. He has faced multiple legal challenges and threats from political supporters. Despite this, he continues to produce content that challenges the status quo and encourages critical thinking among his viewers. In addition to his YouTube channel, Rathee is active on other social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, where he shares his views and engages with his audience.
In 2020, Rathee married Juli Lbr, a German national, and the couple often shares glimpses of their life together on social media. They recently announced that they are expecting their first child, adding a personal dimension to Rathee’s public persona.

Rathee’s influence extends beyond YouTube. He has been featured in various media outlets and has participated in public discussions and debates. His work has sparked conversations on important issues and has inspired many to question and analyze the information presented to them.
Dhruv Rathee’s journey from a mechanical engineering student to a prominent social commentator highlights the power of digital platforms in shaping public discourse.