MUMBAI: Aryan Khan’s directorial debut The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which premiered on Netflix on September 18, has found itself at the centre of controversy after a scene featuring actor Ranbir Kapoor vaping was flagged by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The show, which explores the glitzy yet daunting world of Bollywood, has been widely praised for its bold storytelling and cameo-packed narrative. However, the absence of a statutory health disclaimer during a scene depicting electronic cigarette use has sparked legal trouble for its makers.

NHRC raises objection

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo confirmed that a notice has been issued to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, directing him to file an FIR against the actor, the production house, and the OTT platform for violation of norms.

“The Ba**ds of Bollywood* on Netflix shows actor Ranbir Kapoor smoking an e-cigarette. We have issued a notice to the Commissioner of Mumbai Police. We have asked him to file an FIR under the appropriate sections and take legal action against this actor, this production company, and this OTT platform,” Kanoongo said in a statement.

The Commission’s intervention has intensified scrutiny on the portrayal of smoking and vaping in OTT content, particularly when statutory warnings are absent.

Industry response

Actor Manish Chaudhari, who is also part of the series, responded to the controversy by urging focus on the show’s success rather than the isolated issue. “It’s unfortunate that it’s something that people are focusing on. When something works, a lot of things happen. We are very lucky that 99.9% of things happening around the series are positive. I’m sure there’s a logistical, technical way of working around that problem,” he told Bollywood Hungama.

Neither Netflix nor Aryan Khan has officially commented on the notice or the controversy.

Series reception and cameo buzz

Despite the uproar, The Ba**ds of Bollywood* has garnered strong reviews from both critics and audiences, with several sequences going viral on social media. Cameos by industry heavyweights, including a surprise appearance by Ranbir Kapoor towards the end, have helped sustain the buzz around the series.

For Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the project marked an ambitious debut behind the camera. Industry insiders say the controversy may temporarily overshadow the show’s success but is unlikely to affect its popularity with audiences.

Conclusion

While The Ba**ds of Bollywood* continues to trend on OTT and social platforms, the NHRC’s intervention signals increasing regulatory scrutiny on streaming content, especially in relation to public health laws. The final outcome of the legal notice could set a precedent for how vaping and smoking are depicted in Indian web series going forward.