NHRC seeks report from I&B Ministry and Mumbai Police after a complaint alleges the series promoted a banned product without warning
Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has found himself at the center of controversy over a brief cameo in the Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which marks Aryan Khan’s directorial debut. A formal complaint has been filed alleging that the actor is shown smoking an e-cigarette, a banned item in India, without any health warning or disclaimer.
As a result, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to both the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the Mumbai Police, asking for an Action Taken Report on the matter.
Complaint Details
The complaint was submitted by Vinay Joshi, a member of the group Legal Rights Observatory, on September 22. It claims that:
- Ranbir Kapoor is shown using an e-cigarette in a scene.
- There is no warning or disclaimer shown during or after the scene.
- The portrayal could mislead young viewers and promote a banned substance.
- Legal action should be taken against the actors, producers, and Netflix India for violating Indian laws.
What Happens in the Scene?
Ranbir Kapoor appears as himself in the final episode of the 7-episode Netflix series, which premiered on September 18. In the scene:
- He meets Karan Johar and Sanya (played by Anya Singh), the manager of the lead character Aasmaan Singh (played by Lakshya).
- During this conversation, Ranbir is seen smoking an e-cigarette, sparking backlash.
Why It’s a Problem
India banned e-cigarettes and vaping devices under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, due to their harmful effects and rising usage among youth.
Displaying such products on screen without any warning, especially on a global platform like Netflix, can:
- Violate Indian broadcasting laws
- Send the wrong message to viewers
- Encourage harmful habits, especially among impressionable audiences
Star-Studded Cast
The series, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, is a fictional take on the industry, blending satire and drama. Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, it features several high-profile cameos, including:
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Salman Khan
- Aamir Khan
- Ranveer Singh
- Emraan Hashmi
The series is directed by Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and has gained significant attention since its release.
What Happens Next?
With the NHRC now involved, the case could lead to:
- An official investigation by authorities
- Stricter guidelines for OTT platforms
- Possible penalties or censorship actions if found in violation of the law
As of now, neither Ranbir Kapoor nor Netflix has released a statement regarding the complaint.
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