Aryan Khan’s much-anticipated directorial debut, The Ba*ds of Bollywood, has stirred up quite a bit of controversy right after its global launch on Netflix. The show has been making waves for its daring exploration of the film industry’s darker aspects, but now it’s facing criticism over a cameo featuring Ranbir Kapoor.
Reports indicate that the National Human Rights Commission has raised concerns about a specific scene where the Animal star is seen with an e-cigarette. While smoking scenes are nothing new in movies or streaming shows, the problem here is the claimed lack of a statutory warning or disclaimer on screen. The NHRC has lodged a formal complaint, urging the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take serious action, arguing that such depictions could sway younger viewers.
The letter has also been sent to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, calling for an FIR against Ranbir Kapoor, the film’s producers, and Netflix for allegedly breaching the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019. This situation has sparked a heated debate on social media, with opinions split — some users deem the action excessive, while others insist that rules should be upheld, no matter the celebrity involved.
The Ba*ds of Bollywood, which premiered on September 28, 2025, has been one of the year’s most talked-about releases, not only because it marks Aryan Khan’s debut as a filmmaker but also due to its impressive cast. The lineup features Bobby Deol, Lakshya Lalwani, Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambba, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Gautami Kapoor, and more. However, what really grabbed the audience’s attention were the cameos, with appearances from Bollywood heavyweights like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, and even renowned directors like Karan Johar and SS Rajamouli.
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The series centers on Aasmaan Singh, an up-and-coming actor whose career takes a hit after a clash with a powerful producer, revealing the darker side of the entertainment industry. With its sharp dialogue, clever cameos, and Aryan’s unique vision, the show has been praised for breaking creative boundaries. However, this new controversy might shift the spotlight away from its artistic achievements and onto the potential legal issues it could spark.
As the discussion intensifies, fans are eager to see how the creators, Ranbir Kapoor, and Netflix will respond. What was meant to be Aryan Khan’s bold debut in filmmaking has now turned into a hot topic for a completely different reason—one that perfectly mixes cinema, celebrity, and controversy in classic Bollywood style.