Sameer Wankhede Files Defamation Case Against 'Bads of Bollywood'*
Sameer Wankhede, the former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai zonal director, has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd, owned by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, and Netflix, concerning the web series "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," directed by Aryan Khan. Wankhede alleges that the series has damaged his reputation and seeks damages of ₹2 crore, which he intends to donate to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer patients. He claims the show contains "false, malicious and defamatory" content.
Wankhede's plea states that the series was deliberately created to malign his reputation, especially with the case involving him and Aryan Khan still pending in the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court in Mumbai. He argues that the series disseminates a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies, eroding public confidence in law enforcement institutions. The plea also points to a scene where a character makes an obscene gesture after reciting the slogan "Satyamev Jayate," which is part of the National Emblem. He further claims the content violates the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) by seeking to “outrage national sentiment through the use of obscene and offensive material”.
The Delhi High Court has questioned the maintainability of the suit in Delhi, asking Wankhede to show how the cause of action arose in the capital. Wankhede's lawyer argued that the series is viewed in Delhi, and therefore, he has been defamed there. The court has directed Wankhede to amend his plea to demonstrate a valid cause of action in Delhi. In the meantime, Wankhede has refused to comment directly on the series. When asked about a scene where a character says, 'say no to drugs,' followed by the card reading 'directed by Aryan Khan', Sameer added, “Who are they? You ask me about someone like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or BR Ambedkar. Aap jiske baare mein bol rahe ho (the people you mentioned) I don't think so that I need to give them even one second worth of comments". Wankhede has previously denied allegations of extortion and political motivation, citing text messages with Shah Rukh Khan as evidence of respectful communication.
Ahaan Panday Sparks Collaboration Rumors with Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Ahaan Panday, the rising Bollywood star, has sparked speculation about a potential collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali after being spotted at Bhansali's office in Mumbai. The visit has ignited excitement among fans, who are eagerly awaiting an official announcement.
Ahaan Panday made his Bollywood debut in the romantic drama "Saiyaara" alongside Aneet Padda. The film has emerged as a blockbuster, earning over Rs 400 crore in the domestic market and gaining popularity among Gen Z viewers. Panday's performance in "Saiyaara" has been praised by critics and audiences alike.
Social media is abuzz with speculation about the nature of a potential project between Panday and Bhansali. Some fans envision Panday in a negative role in a Bhansali film. Others are simply eager for the collaboration to materialize. One user exclaimed, “OMGGG AHAAN SPOTTED AT SLB OFFICE. THIS IS A DREAM COLLAB,”. Another supporter shared their aspirations, saying, “All the whining and wondering about what Ahaan's next project will be, and now he's visiting the SLB office! I really want this for him! Onwards and upwards plsss! He deserves to work with the best directors right now! His talent warrants it”.
While neither Panday nor Bhansali have issued an official statement, the sighting has fueled anticipation. Bhansali's last film release was "Gangubai Kathiawadi," starring Alia Bhatt, in 2022.
