Judicial Critique: Aryan Khan’s The Bads of Bollywood* Accused of Bias Against Wankhede**

The Delhi High Court has criticised Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix’s satirical series.

The Ba**ds of Bollywood* for what it described as “apparent bias” in its portrayal of former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede. While hearing Wankhede’s defamation suit, the court said the show may be satirical in nature but isn’t free from prejudice, especially given the history between Wankhede and the show’s creator, Aryan Khan.

Producers Cite Creative Freedom

Wankhede has sued Netflix, Red Chillies, and filmmaker Aryan Khan, alleging that the series damages his reputation. Aryan was arrested by Wankhede in 2021 during a narcotics investigation, though all charges were later dropped.

Senior Advocate Kaul, appearing for Red Chillies, defended the show as legitimate satire. “I am entitled to do this. You’re putting a gun to my head in the plaint,” he argued. He said creators often draw inspiration from real people, noting, “Every producer or paparazzi could say their face resembles someone.” Kaul referenced cartoonist R.K. Laxman, known for lampooning even the Prime Minister.

The court, however, countered that Laxman’s satire was not influenced by personal bias, unlike the alleged slant in The Ba**ds of Bollywood*.

Why Wankhede Approached the Court

The show features a plain-clothed officer leading an anti-drug crusade—a character viewers have linked to Wankhede. In his plea, Wankhede has sought compensation and asked that scenes involving the contested character be removed.

About the Series

Directed by Aryan Khan, The Ba**ds of Bollywood* stars Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Mona Singh, Anya Singh, and Manoj Pahwa. The series is currently streaming on Netflix.