Aryan Khan’s debut directorial series, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, has been caught in a legal storm ever since viewers identified that considered one of the characters appears just like former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede. The resemblance sparked online debate, eventually leading Wankhede to file a defamation suit against Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix.
Delhi HC flags bias in Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds Of Bollywood as Sameer Wankhede accuses Netflix show of targeting him
Now, the case has reached a vital stage, with the Delhi High Court questioning the portrayal and the intent behind the disputed scene.
What Triggered the Dispute?
Soon after the show premiered, social media users began highlighting that a personality within the series looked “too close for comfort” to Wankhede, the officer who led the high-profile 2021 drug case that involved Aryan Khan. Wankhede argued that the scene not only mocked him but in addition painted him in a biased and negative light. His petition states that the portrayal has led to public shaming, online trolling, and even threats to his family.
Red Chillies’ Stand: “It’s Satire”
In the course of the latest hearing on November 17, Senior Advocate Kaul, representing Red Chillies Entertainment, defended the creative decisions made within the series. He stressed that the show is a piece of satire and never a biographical retelling: “I’m entitled to do that. Characters might be inspired. Tomorrow, anyone can say a personality resembles them—paparazzi, producers, anyone.”
Kaul also drew comparisons with legendary cartoonist R.K. Laxman, whose iconic work often poked fun at political leaders. He argued that satire has long been a part of Indian creative culture. Nevertheless, the court pushed back on this comparison, saying Laxman’s cartoons didn’t carry the form of bias that Wankhede claims exists within the show.
Wankhede’s Side: “It Damages My Repute”
Wankhede’s lawyer, J. Sai Deepak, argued that even when the makers label the show as satire, they have to acknowledge who the character relies on for the reason that series references real events.
He said the scene in query brings nothing significant to the narrative but has serious consequences for his client: “It affects me. Red Chillies and Netflix lose nothing if the scene is removed.”
Deepak also claimed that the portrayal has pushed Wankhede right into a “public trial” and identified that the series has convinced many viewers that he lacks integrity. The advocate went on to say a review by Kamal R. Khan, which accused the show of mocking Wankhede—something he says contributed to online abuse directed at the previous officer.
In the course of the hearing, the court also asked in regards to the ongoing cases involving Wankhede, which include proceedings by the CBI, ED, and CAT. At this point, Wankhede personally addressed the court, asking: “Do I deserve this trial in public opinion?”
The court has not passed a final verdict yet.
Also Read: Sameer Wankhede calls The Ba***ds of Bollywood a “calculated hit job” aimed toward settling personal scores: “Shah Rukh Khan, Aryan Khan can’t hide behind satire”
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