Sameer Wankhede Accuses Aryan Khan’s Series of Defamation

In a significant legal confrontation, Sameer Wankhede’s lawyer has accused Aryan Khan and the creators of the Netflix series Ba***ds Of Bollywood of using satire as a shield for defamation. During proceedings at the Delhi High Court on October 23, 2023, Wankhede’s counsel argued that the show is “vendetta passing off as fiction,” seeking to challenge the legitimacy of the series’ claims of satire.

Wankhede, an Indian Revenue Service officer previously involved in a high-profile drug raid that led to the arrest of actor Shah Rukh Khan‘s son, alleges that the series includes defamatory content that undermines his professional reputation. His lawyer contended that the disclaimer presented by the makers should not absolve them of responsibility. “The proof of pudding is how people consume it,” the lawyer stated, emphasizing that the portrayal of Wankhede in the series is damaging.

The legal action is a response to a specific episode in Ba***ds Of Bollywood, where a character closely resembling Wankhede is depicted. The former officer has filed a defamation suit demanding ₹2 crore in damages from Red Chillies Entertainment, the production company co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri Khan, as well as from Netflix. Wankhede is also seeking an injunction to prevent the further dissemination of allegedly defamatory material.

Details of the Case

Wankhede’s legal team characterized the show as a direct attack on his character, seeking to expose what they describe as the misuse of creative freedom. The IRS officer was previously cleared of all charges related to the drug raid incident in 2021, which had drawn extensive media attention. His counsel highlighted the need for accountability in media representations, stressing that satire should not serve as a blanket defense for harmful portrayals.

The series, which marks the directorial debut of Aryan Khan, follows the fictional journey of Aasmaan Singh, an aspiring actor navigating the turbulent world of Bollywood. The show features a cast including Bobby Deol, Lakshya, and Sahher Bambba, and is described by Netflix as “the baddest, filmiest show on Earth.” Its narrative intertwines humor with drama, offering a self-aware exploration of the film industry.

Wankhede’s allegations highlight a growing concern regarding the balance between creative expression and the potential for defamation in entertainment media. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future, particularly as the lines between fact and fiction continue to blur in popular culture.

As the legal proceedings unfold, both sides await the court’s determination on the validity of the claims made by Wankhede against the Netflix series.