Dubai has officially been blessed with the presence of The Kareena Kapoor Khan, and honestly, the fashion world hasn't been the same since. Attending an event for Fable & Mane, the Ayurvedic hair wellness brand where she reigns as the first-ever Global Ambassador, Bebo didn't just walk onto the red carpet—she owned it. Forget your basic black dresses; this look, conceptualized by the style sorceress Rhea Kapoor, is a masterclass in Minimalist Maximalism and a total blueprint for evening power dressing.

The Look: A Rahul Mishra Couture Masterpiece Kareena dripped in a custom couture creation by the globally renowned Rahul Mishra. For the uninitiated, Mishra is a Paris Haute Couture Week regular, celebrated for his commitment to slow fashion and breathtakingly intricate hand embroidery and 3D artistry. This gown is a testament to that legacy.

The silhouette is classic Bebo: sleek, sophisticated, and utterly commanding. Crafted in a rich, deep-hued fabric (likely a luxurious velvet or matte satin), the gown featured a clean, figure-hugging line that pooled elegantly on the floor, allowing the actress’s Main Character Energy to do all the talking.

But let’s get into the real statement piece: The Architectural Sleeves.

In true couture fashion, the gown was designed with dramatic, voluminous sleeves crafted from a sheer, almost gossamer fabric, which are instantly recognizable as Rahul Mishra's signature. These aren't just sleeves; they are sculptural wings of delicate embroidery, adding a spectacular, almost gothic-glam flair to the overall ensemble. They provided the high-octane drama necessary for a global brand ambassador moment, without needing any extraneous bling.

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The Accessories: Strategic Slay The genius of Rhea Kapoor lies in her approach to styling a major look: Let the couture breathe. The accessories were chosen with surgical precision, offering light and sparkle where the dress was deep and dramatic.

Jewelry: Kareena skipped the necklace entirely (smart move—the neckline was perfection) and opted for breathtaking Mehta & Sons’ statement earrings. Their subtle sparkle and clean design perfectly framed her face, complementing the drama of the sleeves instead of competing with it. A bold cocktail ring from ABFJewels completed the hand stack.

Footwear: Keeping the foundation flawless, she grounded the look with chic, black heels from Saint Laurent, proving that a classic luxury shoe is the ultimate power move. The Beauty Moment: The Bebo Glow The hair and makeup, handled by Cristiano Pereira and Tanvi Chemburkar, mirrored the outfit's balance of power and polish. Her signature skin glowed, anchored by a subtly smoky eye that enhanced her intense gaze. The hair was pulled back—likely a sleek, voluminous high ponytail or a tight low bun—to ensure maximum focus remained on the jaw-dropping architectural sleeves and her sharp neckline. The Verdict Kareena Kapoor Khan’s look for the Fable & Mane event is a certified SLAY. It’s effortlessly chic, deeply couture, and showcases the symbiotic relationship between a global icon, an avant-garde designer, and a visionary stylist. She didn't just wear an outfit; she wore a piece of art that screamed, "I Ate, No Crumb Left." Gen Z, take notes: This is how you command a room.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan spills the beans on falling in love with Kareena Kapoor Khan; says, “She was kind and warm. We used to go for these long walks, and she’d ask me a lot of questions…”

Ahaan Panday’s debut in Saiyaara introduced him as a promising new talent to watch. Now, he is set to team up with Sharvari for director Ali Abbas Zafar’s next untitled film. As previously reported, the two actors will lead this upcoming project backed by Aditya Chopra, and the film will begin shooting in the UK.

According to a source close to the production, filming is scheduled to start in March 2026. Described as a stylish action-romance with emotional depth, the film is expected to showcase the kind of storytelling Ali Abbas Zafar is known for. The source shared, “Ahaan Panday and Sharvari are all set to kick off the shoot in the UK, with detailed planning already underway. From scouting locations to finalizing the music and prepping the scenes, the team is fully geared up for the project.”

Zafar, known for directing hit films like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, is taking a new direction with this fresh on-screen pairing. Ahaan Panday, who made a strong impression in Saiyaara opposite Aneet Padda, has quickly gained attention as a rising actor in the new generation. Sharvari, too, has been steadily building her career with notable performances in Maharaj and Munjya.

The upcoming film marks the fifth collaboration between Ali Abbas Zafar and producer Aditya Chopra. Their previous projects together include Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai. Each film combined mass appeal with compelling storytelling, and expectations are already high for what this next venture will deliver.

With a new lead pair, a proven director-producer team, and a genre that blends action and romance, this untitled film is shaping up to be one of the anticipated releases on the horizon.

Also Read: Sharvari to star opposite Ahaan Panday in Ali Abbas Zafar’s untitled action romance: Report

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in giving updates about Dhurandhar. Last week, we informed readers about what one can expect from the asset of the film, which will be released by the makers, Jio Studios and B62 Studios, around the festival of Diwali. And now, we are back with another exciting update straight from the sets of one of the highly anticipated films of 2025.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The lead actor of Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh, has wrapped up the shooting of his portions. Ranveer has given his all to this role and his last day on the set was very emotional and also fun-filled.”

The source further said, “However, the shoot of the film is yet to be completed. 2 days of Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna’s shoot is left. It’ll be completed soon. The makers had the aim to wrap up the filming by October 15 and that plan seems to be on.”

The source also added, “Another plan which is also on is to bring the film in cinemas on December 5. Contrary to what a section of the industry speculated, Dhurandhar is not postponed. As of now, there’s no change in plan, and the post-production is going on in full swing. Moreover, the Diwali asset will also prominently mention the release date of the film.”

Besides Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna, Dhurandhar also stars R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. It is directed by Aditya Dhar of Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) fame.

Last week, Bollywood Hungama had shared details about the Diwali promo, “The first look featured a version of the song ‘Jogi’ aka ‘Na De Dil Pardesi Nu’. The next asset will feature another recreated version of the song. But it's more fast-paced and the visuals are also cut on the same lines. The first look promo gave an idea about the world of Dhurandhar. The Diwali asset will give a little more glimpse into this world and the characters. However, there are no dialogues even this time. The idea of the makers is simple – build on the momentum of the first look, but at the same time, don’t give out too much about the film.”

Also Read: Ranveer Singh meets Adrien Brody and NBA legends at 2025 pre-season game in Abu Dhabi

As the debate around work-life balance and humane work hours in the Indian entertainment industry continues to heat up-especially after reports of actress Deepika Padukone requesting structured work guidelines post-motherhood—filmmaker Hansal Mehta has added a compelling perspective to the conversation.

In a detailed note shared on social media platform X, the Scam 1992 director reflected on the demanding nature of the industry and the toll it takes on artists, technicians, and crew members alike. His words resonated deeply across the creative community, shedding light on the exhausting work culture that many have long accepted as “normal.”

Mehta began his post by addressing the long-standing reality of relentless work hours in the business. “In our line of work, a 12-hour day is politely called a ‘shift.’ The truth is, between the chaos of shoots, the endless commute, hurried meals and barely a few hours of broken sleep, there’s little left of us. Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this equation? Weekends are rarely weekends. Breaks are looked down upon. Somewhere along the way exhaustion became normalised and rest became a privilege.”

He further questioned the very structure of the entertainment sector, calling out its dependence on overworked professionals. “Sometimes I wonder: can this really be called an industry if it runs on the relentless draining of its people? The hardest hit are those who have the least power - the daily wagers. They are always the first to arrive and the last to leave surviving in conditions we’d call inhuman anywhere else.”

The filmmaker didn’t limit his observations to cinema alone, expanding his critique to television and OTT production as well. “On television it’s worse and now even OTT and films have slipped into the same pattern. We often celebrate the arrival of global corporations believing they’ll bring better systems. But more often than not they simply adapt to the broken ones we already have. Because it’s profitable.”

In our line of work, a 12-hour day is politely called a “shift.” The truth is, between the chaos of shoots, the endless commute, hurried meals and barely a few hours of broken sleep, there’s little left of us. Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this… — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) October 10, 2025

Mehta ended his note with a strong message about empathy and systemic change, writing, “I truly believe that if we cared about well-being, ours and especially those who hold up the base of this pyramid we’d not only work better, but live better. The irony is that quality, efficiency, and even profit would follow. But first, we need to stop scoffing at the simple idea of rest. Because without that, what are we really building?”

Hansal Mehta’s statement has sparked widespread discussions online, with several voices from within the industry echoing his sentiments. As the conversation around fair work practices gains traction, his words serve as a crucial reminder of the need for balance and reform in an industry often driven by relentless pace and pressure.

Also Read: Hansal Mehta slams rumours about launching Rajkumar Hirani’s son, opens up about Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar fiasco

Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor has just given his enviable car collection a powerful upgrade. The actor recently registered a BMW M2 on October 3, a performance-packed coupe that perfectly reflects his stylish, dynamic personality.

Priced at over Rs 1 crore, the BMW M2 comes with a 2993 cc engine delivering an impressive 473 bhp. The four-seater sports coupe blends precision engineering with pure adrenaline, offering Shahid the perfect mix of luxury and speed.

Known for his love of fast cars and fine machines, Shahid’s garage already boasts several head-turners — and this latest addition only amplifies his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most style-savvy actors off-screen. Whether he’s cruising through the city or heading to a shoot, Shahid’s choice of wheels always makes a statement.

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With the BMW M2, Shahid joins an elite group of auto enthusiasts who appreciate the car’s balance between track-ready performance and everyday usability. Fans were quick to spot the actor’s new ride, with pictures and videos from his recent outings already doing the rounds on social media.

On the work front, Shahid continues to balance versatility and star power with projects spanning theatrical blockbusters and digital ventures. But when it comes to his personal style — both on and off the road — Shahid Kapoor proves yet again that he’s always a class apart.

Also Read: LEAKED footage from Cocktail 2 gives a glimpse of Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna on Sicily streets

The Celebrate Cinema 2025 festival is in full swing at Subhash Ghai’s renowned filmmaking institute, Whistling Woods International, transforming its campus into a vibrant hub of art, creativity, and cinematic passion. The extravaganza has drawn some of the biggest names from the industry, with Ranbir Kapoor making a notable appearance on October 9, among many other prominent celebrities. As the festival enters its grand finale today, October 10, Bollywood Hungama has learned that the closing day promises to be equally momentous, featuring an eclectic line-up of distinguished personalities from diverse fields.

Today evening, Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, will deliver a keynote address to the film students as part of the Celebrate Cinema 2025 event. He’ll be joined by Dr Priti Adani. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Mr Gautam Adani's session is called 'When Art Becomes Soft Power Of A Nation'. Through his speech, he aims to inspire the youth and also the creative fraternity. He highly believes that cinema is a powerful medium and can play a pivotal role in defining India’s presence on the world stage creatively. His speech will cover all these points.”

The source further said, “Mr Gautam Adani's session will be attended by actor Kartik Aaryan, blockbuster filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, producer Mahaveer Jain and Whistling Woods International founder Subhash Ghai. Their presence will add a lot to the theme of the session. Kartik delivered an inspirational saga, Chandu Champion (2024), which has had a positive influence on the youth. As for Mr Hirani, each and every film of his has entertained as well as enlightened. Hence, it’ll be a session to watch out for.”

With industry icons and visionary leaders coming together under one roof, the final day of Celebrate Cinema 2025 is set to underline the festival’s spirit, that is, where creativity meets purpose. As Whistling Woods continues to bridge art, education, and inspiration, today’s session promises to leave an enduring impact on both the audience and the industry.

Also Read: Gautam Adani dedicates a song ‘Jai Bharat’ to the spirit of our nation

Varinder Singh Ghuman, professional bodybuilder and actor known for his work alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Jhund and Salman Khan in Tiger 3, passed away at the age of 41 in Amritsar.

According to multiple reports, Ghuman had been admitted to Fortis Hospital in Amritsar for a minor bicep surgery and was expected to be discharged the same day. However, he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during the procedure, which proved fatal.

A celebrated figure in the bodybuilding community, Ghuman was also one of the few Indian athletes recognized internationally in the sport. Beyond his achievements in fitness, he successfully transitioned to cinema. He played the lead role in the Punjabi film Kabaddi Once Again (2012) and appeared in Bollywood films including Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014) and Marjaavaan (2019).

Tributes began pouring in soon after the news of his untimely demise. Director Milap Zaveri, who worked with him in Marjaavaan, shared a heartfelt note on social media: “RIP @veervarindersinghghuman bhai. How unpredictable life is. Will always cherish the memories we shared on #Marjaavaan,” he wrote, along with behind-the-scenes pictures from the film’s set.

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Ghuman’s sudden passing has left both the film industry and the bodybuilding fraternity in shock.

Also Read: Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram passes away at 94

Allegations of forgery and conspiracy clouded the inheritance battle over the Rs 30,000-crore estate of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, as Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani told the Delhi High Court on Thursday that the purported will produced by Kapur’s widow Priya Sachdev Kapur was a fabricated document, crafted to exclude his two children --Samaira and Kiaan Kapur, and seize control of his vast fortune.

Appearing before Justice Jyoti Singh, Jethmalani representing Samaira and Kiaan Kapur, the children from Sunjay’s earlier marriage to actor Karisma Kapoor, alleged that Sunjay “had no role in his own will." The counsel said digital evidence and travel logs proved that the industrialist was on holiday with his son Kiaan between March 15 and 18, 2025, when the document was supposedly modified.

“The will was altered on March 17 at 11:54 am, when Sunjay Kapur was not even in the city. His digital footprints are missing, replaced by those of the conspirators, including Priya Kapur,” Jethmalani told the court. “It is a serious crime under Section 467 of the Indian Penal Code, which prescribes life imprisonment for forgery of a will.”

At the centre of the controversy is a will dated March 21, 2025, which allegedly bequeaths Sunjay Kapur’s entire personal estate to his third wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur. The children have challenged its authenticity, calling it the result of “a criminal conspiracy” among Priya and three associates. The ‘Cinderella Stepmother’ Allegation The metaphor quickly became the day’s most-quoted line in the courtroom. Jethmalani alleged that Priya Kapur had behaved like “an evil Cinderella mother” to Samaira and Kiaan scheming to sideline them and their grandmother Rani Kapur, while consolidating wealth and power within her own household.

He accused Priya of engineering secrecy around the estate, including insisting that family members sign non-disclosure agreements before discussing assets. “If the will were genuine, why the need for NDAs? Why the haste?” he asked.

Jethmalani also questioned the role of Shradha Suri Marwah, the named executor, claiming that “the person executing the assets was not the executor but Priya herself.” Two witnesses to the will, he said, were later given roles in companies tied to the estate—an “ominously convenient” pattern that, he argued, exposed the forgery. Neither witness has filed an affidavit validating the will, adding to the doubts over its provenance.

Justice Singh, after opening the sealed cover that contained the original document and an asset list, observed that the list bore no signature, and directed Priya Kapur to re-file it with an affidavit. The court will continue hearing Jethmalani’s arguments on October 13 before the defence presents its case.

According to court filings, the will leaves Karisma Kapoor’s children with a residual stake of barely 26% in the family trust, while Priya Kapur and her minor son Azarius command control of nearly three-quarters of the assets. “The tearing hurry was to appropriate everything before the children could act,” Jethmalani told the bench. “This is no benign stepmother; this is Cinderella’s stepmother.”

Jethmalani further questioned the conduct of Shradha Suri Marwah, the named executor of the will, asserting that “the person executing the assets was not the executor but Priya herself.” He told the court that the two witnesses to the will were subsequently rewarded with positions in companies linked to the Kapur estate, an arrangement he described as “ominously convenient.” Neither witness, he said, has filed an affidavit confirming the will’s validity, a silence that “makes the document even more suspicious.” A Will Without Signature Justice Singh on Thursday opened the sealed cover submitted by Priya Kapur containing the original will and a list of assets. The judge observed that the list bore no signature, directing Priya to resubmit a signed version accompanied by an affidavit. The court will continue hearing Jethmalani’s submissions on October 13 before taking arguments from the defence.

Counsel Rajiv Nayar, representing Priya Sachdev Kapur, categorically denied the allegations, maintaining that the will was “executed and attested properly, long before Sunjay Kapur’s death.” He argued that the suit filed by the children was “not maintainable” and that the document’s authenticity was supported by contemporaneous evidence.

The dispute traces back to June 12, 2025, when Sunjay Kapur, chairman of the diversified Sona Group and a familiar face on India’s polo circuit, collapsed during a match in England and died shortly afterwards. In the weeks following his death, Priya initially claimed that all assets were held in the RK Family Trust and that no will existed. Only in late July did she produce the March 21 document, which the children now describe as “forged and fabricated.”

Jethmalani told the court that the alleged forgery amounted to “a conspiracy by four individuals” aimed at usurping complete control of the estate while leaving Sunjay’s elderly mother Rani Kapur and his two children “effectively penniless.” “The mother is the settlor of the trust,” he reminded the bench. “What ungrateful son would ever leave his mother without a rupee? This is not Sunjay’s doing.”

Beyond the personal drama, the case has broader implications for Indian corporate families increasingly relying on digitally executed wills and trust structures to manage intergenerational wealth. Questions over metadata, authentication and electronic signatures, all pivotal to this case, could shape future jurisprudence on digital inheritance documents.

For now, the High Court has ordered Priya Kapur to provide a verified list of assets and frozen any move to create third-party rights. The matter will resume next week, but the high-society feud has already gripped both legal and business circles, a cautionary tale of modern wealth, technology and trust fractured by suspicion.

As one lawyer observing the proceedings remarked, “This is not merely about money. It’s a story of power, betrayal and the perils of digital inheritance where the battle for legacy may outlive the man who built it.”

Meanwhile, Rahul R Shelke, Civil Lawyer, Bombay High Court, expert in succession cases, said, "The assertion that the will was modified while the testator was away with his son is legally significant. When such allegations are supported by an affidavit from the testator’s close kin and contextualised by evidence of marital discord, they lend considerable weight to claims of undue influence or forgery. Courts will generally adopt a cautious stance, prioritising the protection of the legitimate heirs’ interests until a full forensic examination is concluded."

Also Read: Karisma Kapoor battles for her children’s rights in Sunjay Kapur’s Rs. 30,000 crores estate dispute

Actor Deepika Padukone has addressed the ongoing row surrounding her demand for an eight-hour work shift, a request that reportedly led to her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Speaking with CNBC-TV18, the actor highlighted the double standards faced by women in the film industry when compared to their male counterparts.

“By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it,” Deepika said, responding to criticism. “But it is no secret that a lot of superstars, male superstars, in the Indian film industry have been working for eight hours for years, and it’s never made headlines. A lot of them only work for eight hours Monday to Friday. They do not work on weekends.”

Deepika further reflected on the need for structure in an otherwise chaotic work environment. “Even though we call it an industry, we have never really worked like one. It’s a very disorganised industry, and I think it’s time we brought in some system into this culture,” she noted.

The actor found herself at the center of debate after she exited Spirit, reportedly because her request for shorter working hours — made to ensure she could balance professional and personal commitments, especially time with her daughter Dua — was not accommodated. Soon after, production house Vyjayanthi Movies announced that she was no longer part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, citing the project’s demand for “a higher level of commitment.”

Her comments on work hours coincided with her visit to Madhya Pradesh on World Mental Health Day, where she marked 10 years of her foundation, Live Love Laugh. The event served as both a celebration of the foundation’s decade-long work in mental health awareness and a reaffirmation of her advocacy.

When asked if she felt she was paying a price for asking what she believed was fair, Deepika responded thoughtfully: “I have done this at many levels. Even as pay is concerned, I have had to deal with whatever comes with it. I am someone who has always fought my battles silently, and for some strange reason sometimes they become public, which is not the way I know and not the way I’ve been brought up. But yes, to fight my battles and to do it silently and in a dignified way is the way I know.”

Despite the controversy, Deepika has already resumed work, beginning shoots for Siddharth Anand’s King alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan. She is also slated to feature in Atlee’s upcoming film AA22xA6 with Allu Arjun.

Also Read: The date that had everything — lunch, cheesecake, long drive and Mr Bean! Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone’s rare 2008 interview resurfaces

The 2019 romantic comedy De De Pyaar De turned out to be a solid box office success, winning audiences over with its unconventional storyline, sharp humour, heartfelt performances, and catchy music. Naturally, when news broke that a sequel was in development, excitement levels soared. Now, the much-awaited follow-up is nearly complete, and with its release a month away, anticipation is at an all-time high. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the trailer of De De Pyaar De 2 will be launched in a grand fashion by the makers a month before its release.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The trailer of De De Pyaar De 2 will be unveiled on October 14 and will be graced by the film’s lead actors, namely Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan and Rakul Preet Singh, director Anshul Sharma, producer Luv Ranjan, Bhushan Kumar etc.”

The source further said, “Usually, the trailer is launched in just one venue in one city. But for De De Pyaar De 2, the team has made an exception. It’ll be a two-city launch. The team will first release the trailer in Delhi on October 14. The same day, they’ll fly down to Maximum City and grace the Mumbai leg of the trailer launch. The makers are excited about their product and hence, they have decided to go for a novel two-city launch initiative. They are confident that it’ll further help them in grabbing eyeballs.”

 De De Pyaar De told the story of a 50-year-old divorcee who gets into a relationship with a 26-year-old girl. The first part was directed by Akiv Ali and focused on the chaos that ensues when the man tries to win the approval of his family for his newfound love. De De Pyaar De 2 is directed by Anshul Sharma and it marks the entry of R Madhavan as Rakul’s father. As per reports, it is the story of a hilarious one-upmanship that will ensue between Ajay and Madhavan, over Rakul’s character dating a man older than her father. It releases in cinemas worldwide on November 14.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh reveals how she picks roles as she gears up for De De Pyaar De 2, Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 and Ramayana

Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Dharma Productions, stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. The drama follows two childhood friends and their emotional journey through changing times, exploring friendship, identity, and resilience. After a modest start, the film is now witnessing a remarkable surge in audience demand.

In its third week, Homebound has received an impressive increase in screens and showtimes across major cities, with several theatres reporting houseful shows over the weekend. Initially released on around 200–225 screens nationwide, the film had a slow but steady opening. However, the tide has turned as strong word-of-mouth and glowing reviews have drawn more viewers to cinemas.

Trade sources reveal that multiplex chains in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru have expanded the film’s run, adding extra shows to meet the growing demand. Single-screen theatres in smaller cities have also reported full-house bookings for evening and weekend slots. The emotional storytelling and grounded performances have struck a chord with audiences, prompting many to recommend the film to friends and family.

The expansion strategy seems deliberate Dharma Productions and distributors are capitalizing on the film’s organic growth rather than pushing for a massive initial release. This platform-style rollout is helping Homebound build momentum week after week. Despite competition from new releases, the film’s rising occupancy rates and audience appreciation are positioning it as a sleeper hit.

Having also been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026, Homebound’s theatrical journey is far from over. With more screens being added and consistent word-of-mouth support, the film’s third week marks a turning point transforming it from a modest release into one of the most talked-about successes of the season.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Vishal Jethwa on the message of oneness in Homebound, “We will grow only when we look at everyone as humans, instead of focussing on their religion or surname”; recalls Aditya Chopra’s 1st reaction to his act in Mardaani 2: “He said, ‘No beta…’”

IRS Officer Sameer Wankhede has broken his silence amidst the controversy surrounding the defamation suit he filed against Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Aryan Khan over the web series, The B***ds of Bollywood. The show, marking Khan's directorial debut, allegedly features a character that maligns Wankhede's reputation and mocks anti-drug agencies.

"There is none… I am an officer of law, whatever books and Acts are there, I do as per that," Wankhede told HT City, emphasizing his commitment to the rule of law. "We are not living in some kind of a banana republic out here. We have a constitution, we have a system, we have a set up... I am a very small man, just a government servant. How can anybody have such a grudge and all those things, you know? These things are just loose talks."

The officer's strong words come as a direct challenge to the portrayal in the Netflix series, which he alleges is a "calculated and vindictive hit job."3

For the unversed, the animosity between Wankhede and the Khan family dates back to October 2021. At the time, Wankhede was the Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai and led the highly publicized raid on a cruise ship, which resulted in the arrest of Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, on drug-related charges. Aryan spent nearly a month in custody before being granted bail. In May 2022, all charges against Aryan were eventually dropped by the NCB due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

This high-voltage arrest laid the groundwork for the current legal battle. Wankhede’s suit claims that a character in The B***ds of Bollywood is an unmistakable caricature of him, designed to paint him in a false and malicious light. The Delhi High Court has recently escalated the matter by issuing summons to Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and other entities. Wankhede's plea demands Rs. 2 crore in damages, which he has pledged to donate to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.

Beyond defamation, the former NCB officer has raised a serious objection to a specific scene: a character allegedly makes an obscene gesture immediately after uttering the national slogan "Satyamev Jayate." Wankhede argues this is a grave violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

While the High Court acknowledged that there is "cause" in Wankhede’s favor, it declined to pass an interim injunction to stop the series' streaming at this stage. The court has directed the defendants to file their replies within seven days, with the matter listed for further hearing on October 30. Wankhede is fighting not just for his personal honor, but for the "dignity of the law enforcement officers."

Also Read: The Ba***ds of Bollywood: Delhi High Court issues notices to makers over Sameer Wankhede’s plea against Aryan Khan and his web -series