Bollywood is known for its glamour, drama, and star-studded stories. However, it has also witnessed its own share of controversies which hit the headlines and stunned audiences. Here’s a look at some of the most famous scandals that rocked the industry over the years.
Bollywood scandals – Casting Couch Allegations
The casting couch has cast a dark shadow over Bollywood for a long time. Actresses like Kangana Ranaut and Radhika Apte have spoken about their experience and how common this occurrence has been in the industry. The controversy rages on and has thrown open questions of power play and exploitation in show business.
One of the first celebrity scandals to go viral online during early 2000s was the infamous MMS clip of Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor.
Salman Khan’s Hit-and-Run Case
Salman Khan was charged with having run his car into a bakery in 2002, killing one man and injuring several people. The case was rumbling on for years, full of twists and turns. While initially found guilty, he got himself acquitted on appeal, casting an indictment cloud over the very justice system.
Kangana Ranaut vs. Hrithik Roshan
Kangana Ranaut, Hrithik Roshan feud made headlines for months. It included leaked emails and allegations of an affair, with both the stars presenting their versions on public platforms. This case became one of Bollywood’s ugliest public disputes.
The Koffee With Karan statements that stirred controversy are as follows:
Koffee With Karan is another talk show run by Karan Johar, which has given many controversies. From Alia Bhatt’s infamous gaffe-“Who is the President of India?”-to Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul’s misogynistic remarks, the program has created waves for all the wrong reasons.
Sanjay Dutt's biopic Sanju omitted a lot of controversial details regarding his life, thereby facing a lot of criticism for whitewashing his image.
The Sushant Singh Rajput Tragedy
The untimely demise of Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020 shook the nation. His death was initially ruled a suicide, but it led to debates about mental health, nepotism, and alleged foul play in Bollywood. The case remains a subject of speculation, with fans demanding justice for the late actor.
Sanjay Dutt’s Arms Case
Sanjay Dutt was arrested in 1993 under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act (TADA) for illegal possession of weapons linked to the Mumbai bomb blasts. His arrest and subsequent conviction sent shockwaves through the industry, though he later completed his sentence and made a comeback successfully.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Wankhede Stadium Incident
Shah Rukh Khan, known as the King of Bollywood, landed in a soup after an altercation with security personnel at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in 2012. This led to a short-term restriction against SRK entering the stadium, which otherwise preserved the brilliance of this cinematic star.
The AIB Roast Controversy
The All India Bakchod (AIB) roast of Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, and Arjun Kapoor became a folly for its lewd content. It generated FIRs and the participants got beaten by political and cultural groups, which again threw the debates about free speech in India wide open.
Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan’s Alleged Affair
A sizzling affair between Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan in the late 70s and early 80s was a widely discussed media event. Both didn’t say much, but their on-screen chemistry in movies like Silsila sparked the fire.
Rhea Chakraborty and the Drug Probe
Rhea Chakraborty was accused of having a history of drug consumption as well as selling drugs. Her arrest by the Narcotics Control Bureau was turned into a media circus in terms of debates about privacy, media trials, and Bollywood’s drug culture.
Bollywood scandals, sensational although they are, also highlight the woes of living in the public eye. Behind the glitz are controversies that could make or break a star’s career.
