Sameer Wankhede criticizes SRK, Aryan Khan over Bollywood film jibe at officers: ‘I’ll defend them’

Ex-NCB officer Sameer Wankhede has strongly objected to the depiction of law enforcement in Netflix’s Ba**ds Of Bollywood, stating that his legal action is about defending.

The honour of his family, women in his family, and officers risking their lives in anti-drug operations. Speaking to HT City, Wankhede clarified that this is not a publicity stunt but a fight for dignity.

Background of the Controversy

The controversy traces back to the 2021 arrest of Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan during a Mumbai cruise drug raid. Aryan was later cleared in 2022 and directed the Netflix series Ba**ds Of Bollywood. Allegedly, one character in the show resembles Wankhede and mocks him along with the national emblem, prompting him to file a defamation case against Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment.

Court Proceedings and Misleading Reports

Summons have been issued to Netflix and Red Chillies in Wankhede’s defamation case. Addressing reports claiming his petition was “dismissed,” Wankhede explained, “I was upset because in reality, we were only asked to file an amendment. Despite this, some PR campaigns falsely claimed my case was ‘dismissed’ or ‘rejected.’” He emphasized that the legal proceedings are ongoing and any claims of seeking attention are incorrect.

Defending Family, Officers, and National Honour

Wankhede highlighted three reasons for taking action:

Family Honour: Protecting the dignity and self-respect of his family, especially women.

Law Enforcement Respect: Officers in anti-drug operations risk life and limb—he has witnessed staff suffer head injuries and broken limbs. Mocking such operations in a satire is unacceptable.

National Emblem: Displaying disrespect to the national emblem, such as showing a middle finger, is intolerable.

“As a citizen, I will definitely fight for these things,” Wankhede said, reinforcing his stand that the case is about respect and accountability, not personal publicity.

This case has sparked a debate on the portrayal of real-life officers in entertainment, highlighting the tension between creative freedom and respect for law enforcement and national symbols.