Sameer Wankhede Sues Red Chillies for ₹2 Crore Over Netflix Series; Delhi HC Summons SRK’s Company
Controversy has erupted over Aryan Khan’s debut web series ‘The Bads of Bollywood’, with former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede filing a ₹2 crore defamation suit against Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s production house, Red Chillies Entertainment. The series, which premiered on Netflix on September 18, has drawn criticism for allegedly portraying a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer in a manner that Wankhede claims is a direct and defamatory reference to him.
Wankhede, who previously investigated Aryan Khan in the 2021 cruise drug case, alleges that a character in the series is “clearly based on him” and has been shown in a way meant to malign his image and credibility. He claims the portrayal has led to online trolling of him, his wife, and his sister.
Delhi High Court Issues Summons
In response to Wankhede’s complaint, the Delhi High Court has issued summons to Red Chillies Entertainment, directing the production house to respond within seven days. The next hearing is scheduled for October 30.
The court acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, with Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav stating, “We believe that there is cause for you to approach this court, but all this will happen through a process.”
Wankhede’s lawyer argued that the series had triggered a wave of defamatory posts targeting his client and his family. The court, however, noted procedural issues and directed Wankhede to amend the defamation petition, stating it was not maintainable in Delhi in its current form.
What’s the Controversy About?
The Bads of Bollywood, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, is Aryan Khan’s first web series project. While the show claims to be fictional, several viewers and the complainant allege that it contains scenes too closely resembling real-life events, especially those related to Aryan Khan’s 2021 arrest by the NCB.
Wankhede alleges that the portrayal of the NCB officer in the show is not only damaging to his reputation but is a deliberate attempt to settle scores.
Red Chillies Yet to Respond
As of now, Red Chillies Entertainment has not issued any official statement in response to the court’s summons or the allegations made by Wankhede.
Background: Aryan Khan Drug Case
In 2021, Aryan Khan was arrested during a cruise drug bust by the NCB, a case that brought national attention and sparked political and media debates. Sameer Wankhede was the lead officer in the investigation. Aryan Khan was eventually cleared of all charges.
The matter will be heard next on October 30. If found credible, the case could have legal and reputational implications for Red Chillies Entertainment and set a precedent for portrayal of real-life individuals in fictional works.
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