Background of the Case

New Delhi: Red Chillies Entertainment, owned by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, has urged the Delhi High Court to dismiss a defamation suit filed by former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede. The suit concerns the Netflix series ‘Ba*ds of Bollywood’**, which was created, co-written, and directed by Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan’s son.

Wankhede claimed that a character in Episode 1, between 32:02 to 33:50, closely resembles him and damages his reputation. He asked the court to remove this specific content from the series.

Red Chillies’ Defense

In its reply, filed in October, Red Chillies Entertainment argued that the series is a situational satire on the Bollywood industry, set in Mumbai. The depiction of all characters is parodic and exaggerated, aimed at humor and social commentary, and does not constitute defamation.

The 35-page reply, filed by advocate Pranav Sarthi, emphasized:

• Characters in the series are fictional, designed with exaggerated traits and mannerisms.

• The series uses satire and parody, which are protected under Indian law.

• The defamation suit is a result of hypersensitivity and an attempt to suppress artistic expression.

Public Scrutiny and Prior Controversy

Red Chillies pointed out that Wankhede was already under public scrutiny due to alleged bribery charges related to the Aryan Khan NCB cruise case in 2021. Aryan Khan and others were later exonerated by the NCB in 2022.

The reply stated:

“Before the release of Ba**ds of Bollywood*, the Plaintiff’s public image had already been affected by widespread media coverage, social media posts, and public criticism. The current suit appears to be an attempt to silence satire and humor, rather than address genuine defamation.”

Importance of the Clip to the Series

Red Chillies argued that the disputed clip is integral to the overall storyline. Removing it would break the narrative and affect the integrity of the series.

The character in question is described as an overzealous officer, arriving in a private vehicle, wearing a luxury belt and wristwatch, and chanting “Satyamev Jayate.” The depiction is fictional and does not mention Wankhede’s name, tenure, or position with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) or Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

Legal Proceedings

The case was heard before Justice Purushindra Kumar Kaurav but was adjourned to November 10, allowing all parties — Red Chillies, Netflix, and Sameer Wankhede — to file written submissions.

Representation:

• Red Chillies Entertainment: Senior Advocates Neeraj Kishan Kaul and Shyel Trehan

• Netflix: Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayyar

• Sameer Wankhede: Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak

Key Takeaways

• Ba**ds of Bollywood* is a satirical series, using fictional characters for humor and social commentary.

• The impugned clip is less than two minutes long but central to the story.

• Red Chillies maintains that the series does not defame Wankhede, as he was already subject to public scrutiny.

• The court has given time until November 10 for further submissions.