Aryan Khan’s much-awaited directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, made headlines for several reasons upon its release. However, one scene particularly caught attention and sparked controversy after netizens pointed out that one of the characters bore a striking resemblance to former Narcotics Control Bureau officer Sameer Wankhede, after which the IRS officer filed a defamation suit. Now, in a recent hearing, the Delhi HC questioned bias in Aryan Khan’s show.
Delhi HC questions bias in Aryan Khan’s show
Senior Advocate Kaul, representing Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment in court, said during the hearing on Monday (November 17) that The Ba***ds of Bollywood is a work of satire and “I am entitled to do this. You are putting a gun to my head in the plaint. Of course, I can say that I am inspired by characters… Every producer, paparazzi can appear tomorrow (saying) my face resembles.”
He added that renowned cartoonist R.K. Laxman could ridicule the Prime Minister through his satire. “That is what we have been proud of in our country. R.K. Laxman’s character is an example who ridiculed the Prime Minister,” the advocate defended. The Delhi High Court intervened, stating there was no bias in Laxman’s work like there was in the much-talked-about Netflix show.
Sameer Wankhede on trial
Wankhede’s advocate, J. Sai Deepak, representing Wankhede, asked the court that even if Red Chillies Entertainment claims it is a satire, they must admit who it is based on, as the story is inspired by real incidents. He further argued that the scene was a mockery of his client and that Red Chillies and Netflix lose nothing if it is removed, as it “does not add to the flow or narrative of the script, while it affects me.”
Further, the court asked about the pending cases against Wankhede, which include CBI, ED, and CAT proceedings. Sameer then asked the court, “Do I deserve this trial in public opinion?”
Wankhede’s advocate also cited a review by Kamal R. Khan accusing the show of ridiculing him. The lawyer claimed that through The Ba***ds of Bollywood, the Wankhede family has been exposed to threats and ridicule. “The show has convinced people that I have no integrity. Chor, and what else?” Wankhede’s lawyer told the court, before adding, “Red Chillies and Netflix are in cahoots with each other. They are not saying we are just an intermediary, so a certain degree of liability is on Netflix as well.”