'Bads of...Bollywood' defamed and ridiculed me: Wankhede tells Delhi HC
What's the story
Sameer Wankhede, the former Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), has claimed that the series Ba***ds of Bollywood "targets" him. He presented this argument during a Delhi High Court hearing on Monday, after Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav viewed the episode that allegedly "ridicules" Wankhede. The show is produced by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by his son, Aryan Khan. Kaurav said after watching the clip, "I don't think...they are acknowledging this character is Sameer Wankhede."
Controversy
What is the entire controversy?
The rift between Wankhede and the Khans started with Aryan's arrest during a Mumbai cruise drug raid; he was cleared in 2022. Now, Wankhede has claimed that a character in Aryan's Netflix series was based on him and was portrayed negatively. He claimed that a government officer's character bore an uncanny resemblance to him in terms of looks, speech, and his catchphrase "Satyamev Jayate." He alleges that it was a "premeditated, targeted campaign" to mock him.
Legal action
Wankhede seeks ₹2 crore in damages
Wankhede has sought ₹2 crore in damages from Red Chillies and Netflix. He has also asked for the removal of the allegedly defamatory content and a ban on any further statements. His lawyer, J Sai Deepak, argued that the "portrayal was beyond satire." He said, "It is shown that he goes after Bollywood celebrities and their children." "A person is smoking a joint. He states, 'I am not from Bollywood; he is from Bollywood.' So the character goes after him."
Defense strategy
'Disclaimer has lost its value': Deepak
Deepak argued that the series is "vendetta passing off as fiction." He claimed that Wankhede has an exemplary track record but is being ridiculed due to the history between the parties. He alleged that Wankhede and his family have been "subjected to ridicule and defamation." Deepak also said that any disclaimer for the episode was inconsequential, adding, "Disclaimer has lost its value... The proof of pudding is how people consume it."
Counter argument
Red Chillies's argument against Wankhede's suit
In response to Wankhede's suit, Red Chillies had earlier argued that his reputation was already subject to public ridicule before the release of Ba***ds of Bollywood. They cited ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) proceedings against him for alleged criminal conspiracy and extortion under the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act. The court had earlier issued summons to Red Chillies, Netflix, Google, X Corp, and Meta. The court will next hear this case on November 17.