Aryan Khan’s debut directorial series, The Ba**ads of Bollywood, has been embroiled in a legal storm ever since viewers pointed out that one of the characters looks similar to former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede. The similarity sparked debate online, ultimately leading Wankhede to file a defamation suit against Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix.
Delhi HC complains about bias in Aryan Khan’s The Ba**ads of Bollywood as Sameer Wankhede alleges targeting him on Netflix show
Now, the case has reached a critical stage, with the Delhi High Court raising questions over the depiction of the controversial scene and the intention behind it.
What caused the controversy?
Soon after the show premiered, social media users began highlighting that a character in the series seemed “too close for comfort” to Wankhede, the officer who led the high-profile 2021 drug case involving Aryan Khan. Wankhede argued that the scene not only mocked him but also portrayed him in a biased and negative light. His petition states that this portrayal has led to public shaming, online trolling and even threats to his family.
Red Chillies’ stance: “It’s satire”
During the latest hearing on November 17, senior advocate Kaul, representing Red Chillies Entertainment, defended the creative choices made in the series. He emphasized that the show is a work of satire, not a biographical retelling: “I’m entitled to do that. Characters can be inspired. Tomorrow, anyone can say a character resembles them – paparazzi, producers, anyone.”
Kaul also drew comparisons with famous cartoonist RK Laxman, whose iconic work often drew mockery from political leaders. He argued that satire has long been a part of Indian creative culture. However, the court emphasized this comparison, saying that Laxman’s cartoons do not contain the kind of bias that Wankhede claims is present in the show.
Wankhede’s side: “It hurts my reputation”
Wankhede’s lawyer, J. Sai Deepak argued that even if the producers label the show as a satire, they have to acknowledge who the character is based on as the series references real events.
He said the scene in question brings nothing significant to the narrative but has serious consequences for his client: “It infuriates me. Red Chillies and Netflix have nothing to lose if the scene is removed.”
Deepak also claimed that the portrayal has pushed Wankhede into a “public trial” and pointed out that the series has convinced many viewers that he lacks integrity. Lawyer Kamal R. Khan’s review, which accused the show of mocking Wankhede – something he says contributes to online abuse against the former officer.
During the hearing, the court also asked about the ongoing cases related to Wankhede, which include proceedings of CBI, ED and CAT. At this point, Wankhede personally addressed the court, asking: “Am I worth this trial in the public opinion?”
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