Mumbai —Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, has encountered legal scrutiny following a scene featuring actor Ranbir Kapoor using an e-cigarette without a statutory health warning. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has intervened, prompting the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Mumbai Police to investigate the matter.
In the seventh episode of the Netflix series, Kapoor makes a cameo as himself. During a conversation with filmmaker Karan Johar and Anya Singh’s character, Sanya, he is depicted vaping. This portrayal has raised concerns among viewers and activists, leading to a formal complaint.
The NHRC has directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Mumbai Police to submit an Action Taken Report regarding the complaint. The commission emphasized the need for responsible content in media, particularly concerning substances that are prohibited under Indian law.
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, prohibits the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes in India. The NHRC’s intervention underscores the seriousness with which such violations are regarded, especially when they involve content accessible to young audiences.
While the controversy has sparked debates about the portrayal of banned substances in entertainment, it has also brought attention to the responsibilities of filmmakers and streaming platforms in adhering to legal and ethical standards.
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the impact media can have on public perception and the importance of compliance with regulatory frameworks.
