In New Delhi, former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation case in the Delhi High Court against Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, and others involved in the Netflix series “Ba..ds of Bollywood.” The series, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Aryan Khan, allegedly paints Wankhede in a false and damaging light.

According to Wankhede’s petition, the series contains dialogues and depictions that deliberately portray him as corrupt and untrustworthy. He argues that the storyline misrepresents the high-profile 2021 drugs-on-cruise case, where Aryan Khan was arrested but later granted bail. Wankhede claims the series is not just creative liberty but a calculated attempt to tarnish his image.

The officer has already faced intense scrutiny in the past, including a CBI investigation over allegations that he demanded ₹25 crore from Shah Rukh Khan’s family to drop Aryan from the drugs case. Wankhede has strongly denied these allegations, calling them a politically motivated attack.

The defamation suit lists Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment, and other related entities as respondents. Wankhede has urged the court to order immediate removal of the defamatory content and has sought monetary compensation for the reputational damage.

The controversy highlights a growing conflict between freedom of artistic expression and the right to protect personal dignity. While filmmakers often argue for creative independence, public officials like Wankhede believe such portrayals can have real-world consequences on careers and reputations.

As the case unfolds, it is likely to stir debate not just about Bollywood and its controversies, but also about where the line should be drawn between storytelling and defamation.