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Sameer Wankhede’s controversy in Shahrukh Khan’s son’s series

New Delhi: Netflix’s new series ‘The Bads of Bollywood’, written and directed by Shahrukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, has sparked controversy against former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede. Recently, Delhi High Court, while hearing Wankhede’s petition, has reserved its decision. Justice Purushendra Kaushik heard the arguments of both the sides and raised two important questions, the answer to which will decide the further proceedings of the case. Wankhede has filed a defamation suit against Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix. He alleges that a character in the first episode of the series is based on his image and has been presented as a corrupt police officer.

Perception of ‘The Bads of Bollywood’: Sameer Wankhede’s allegation

The mentioned scene from the series involves Red and the arrest of a young star at a yacht party, reminiscent of the 2021 Cordelia Cruz drugs case. Wankhede says the scene has damaged his image and also hurt the reputation of anti-drug agencies. He has sought damages of Rs 2 crore, which he is willing to donate to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.

Case going on in Delhi High Court

Wankhede’s lawyer supported the legality of the case in Delhi. His argument was that Wankhede’s family members have watched the series and departmental action against him is significant in Delhi. While counsel for Red Chillies Neeraj Kishan Kaul and Netflix’s Rajeev Nayyar opposed, saying the case should be in Mumbai as Wankhede and the company’s registered office is located there.

Kaul also clarified that the series is a satire on the problems of Bollywood such as nepotism, paparazzi culture, and the struggles of newcomers. This is not a documentary, but a fictional story, which is part of artistic freedom. Nayyar said that ‘just because it was made by Aryan Khan does not prove malice.’

Wankhede will have to prove that this is a case of personal vendetta. The court raised two main questions: First, can the case be continued in Delhi? Second, is that part of the series, taken as a whole, harming Wankhede’s reputation by falling outside protected artistic expression?