Ranbir Kapoor faces legal trouble as NHRC directs Mumbai Police to act against him, Netflix, and producers of Aryan Khan’s debut series The Ba**ds of Bollywood* over alleged e-cigarette promotion, raising concerns about youth influence and public health.
Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor has landed in legal trouble following the release of Aryan Khan’s much-anticipated Netflix series, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reportedly directed Mumbai Police to register a case against Kapoor, the producers of the series, and streaming giant Netflix, citing violations of Indian law related to the depiction of banned substances.
The controversy stems from a particular scene in the show where Ranbir Kapoor is allegedly seen using an e-cigarette without any warning or disclaimer. This, according to complainant Vinay Joshi, is in direct violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, which strictly bans the use, promotion, or advertisement of e-cigarettes across India.
Complaint and Concerns Raised
Vinay Joshi, who lodged the complaint with the NHRC, expressed that such depictions could mislead impressionable audiences, especially younger viewers, by glamorizing the use of prohibited substances. He argued that publicly streaming content of this nature on a global platform like Netflix not only encourages illegal behavior but also undermines the efforts of law enforcement agencies and poses a grave risk to public health.
Joshi further stressed that popular celebrities such as Ranbir Kapoor have a wide influence, and showing them engaging in banned activities without disclaimers is highly irresponsible. He called for urgent steps to curb content that normalizes or trivializes illegal practices.
NHRC’s Response and Directives
The NHRC has taken cognizance of the complaint and issued notices to key authorities. The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been asked to adopt swift measures to ensure such content is restricted, particularly when it could negatively impact young audiences.
Additionally, the Mumbai Police Commissioner has been instructed to identify and investigate the activities of manufacturers and importers of electronic cigarettes in the country. Authorities have been given a two-week deadline to submit an action report to the NHRC, detailing the steps taken in response to the complaint.
This development signals a significant legal hurdle not only for Ranbir Kapoor but also for Netflix and Aryan Khan, who made his directorial debut with the controversial series.
About the Series
The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, directed by Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, premiered on 18 September 2025 on Netflix. The series takes a satirical look at the Hindi film industry, offering a sharp critique of its glamour, struggles, and politics.
The ensemble cast includes Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, and Vijayant Kohli. It also features Rajat Bedi and Gautami Kapoor in important roles.
Adding to the buzz, the series boasts several high-profile cameo appearances, including Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Disha Patani, Orry, Shanaya Kapoor, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Rajkummar Rao, and Sara Ali Khan.
Despite its strong star power and unique concept, the show has quickly become mired in controversy due to the complaint and subsequent NHRC directives.
Impact on Bollywood and Streaming Content
The case could set a precedent for how digital content in India is regulated, particularly in relation to portrayals of banned substances and sensitive themes. The Indian government has been increasingly vigilant about OTT platforms, emphasizing the need for self-regulation while ensuring compliance with existing laws.
For Aryan Khan, this marks a rocky beginning to his career as a director, as what was expected to be a bold, satirical statement on the industry has now invited legal scrutiny. For Ranbir Kapoor, who remains one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, the development could result in reputational damage if the allegations are pursued aggressively.
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As the matter unfolds, the entertainment industry and audiences alike will be watching closely to see how the NHRC’s intervention shapes the conversation around creative freedom, responsibility, and censorship on streaming platforms.
