'Bads...' defamation case: Wankhede claims family receiving threats, hate messages
What's the story
Sameer Wankhede, the former Mumbai Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), has alleged that his family is facing hate messages from Pakistan, the UAE, and Bangladesh. This comes in light of a defamation case he filed against Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix over their series The Ba***ds of Bollywood. Speaking to ANI, Wankhede said, "My personal belief is that this has nothing to do with my job or my profession."
Legal proceedings
My family has nothing to do with my profession: Wankhede
Wankhede said the case is about "self-respect, personal dignity, and honor," adding that satire or parody targeting him insults not just him but also those working against drug abuse. He said his family has been unfairly affected by this. "My family has nothing to do with my profession. They have nothing to do with my cases, my profession, but why are they feeling the brunt of these kinds of things?"
Family under threat
Regularly informing police about threats received by family members: Wankhede
Wankhede further said, "Hate messages are coming from Pakistan, UAE, and Bangladesh. I will not accept that because of me they are facing the brunt of it." He added that they have regularly informed the police about the threats that his sister and wife keep getting. The Delhi High Court had issued summons to Red Chillies Entertainment Private Limited and others in a civil defamation suit filed by Wankhede on Wednesday.
Twitter Post
Listen to Wankhede here
#WATCH | On the defamation case filed by him against Red Chillies and Netflix, former Mumbai NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede says, "My personal belief is that this has nothing to do with my job or my profession. In my personal capacity, I've approached the Delhi High Court. I… pic.twitter.com/t6ZSa09m4t
— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2025
Controversy
When did the controversy begin?
The series is directed by Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan. To recall, Aryan was arrested by Wankhede in 2021 during a Mumbai cruise drug raid; later, he was cleared in 2022. In Aryan's recent directorial debut, The Bads of Bollywood, a character caught the audience's attention because of his resemblance to Wankhede and his outrage about the use of drugs in the industry.
Damages sought
Wankhede seeks ₹2 crore in damages
Wankhede has sought ₹2 crore in damages, which he wants to be donated to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer patients. The plea said the Netflix series The Bads of Bollywood spreads a false and negative narrative about anti-drug enforcement agencies, thereby shaking people's faith in law enforcement agencies. It added that the series has been intentionally designed and executed with an aim to tarnish Wankhede's reputation.
Legal update
HC asks Red Chillies to file reply within 7 days
The Delhi High Court has asked Red Chillies Entertainment and others to file a reply within seven days. The court has ordered the petitioner to supply a copy of the petition to all defendants. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on October 30. On September 26, the high court heard the defamation suit but did not grant any instant relief to Wankhede.