Sameer Wankhede Files Defamation Suit Against Netflix Series Directed by Aryan Khan: "This Is Humiliation, Not Satire"

The Ba***ds of Bollywood, Aryan Khan's directorial debut, includes a character resembling Wankhede

New Delhi:

In an exclusive interview with NDTV today, Sameer Wankhede, former Mumbai zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau, stated that law enforcement officers who sacrifice for the nation should not face humiliation under the guise of satire.

Currently working at the Directorate General of Analytics and Risk Management in Mumbai, Wankhede has initiated a defamation lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against Red Chillies Entertainment Private Limited, owned by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan. The case concerns Netflix series "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," directed by their son Aryan Khan. According to Wankhede, the series "presents a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies, undermining public trust in law enforcement institutions."

While refraining from discussing details of the ongoing legal matter, Wankhede explained that he approached the court to protect his family's reputation. He mentioned that his family has been subjected to trolling and threats, including from international sources. "Additionally, I am fighting for the dignity of the uniform and law enforcement agencies that work tirelessly serving our nation. They cannot be subjected to such humiliation and trolling. Furthermore, I am defending the honor of our national emblem, Satyamev Jayate, which should not be mocked or ridiculed," he stated.

When questioned about whether the Netflix production could be interpreted as "satire," the Indian Revenue Service officer responded: "Those serving the nation, officers working in the field, and participants in anti-drug operations - they all feel hurt by such portrayals. Satire is entirely different from humiliating officers who have made sacrifices for the nation and are combating drug-related activities - when such incidents occur, officers naturally feel distressed."

Wankhede affirmed his commitment to pursuing this legal battle regardless of duration. "I am prepared to fight because this concerns justice, truth, and my family's honor. I have complete respect and faith in the honorable judiciary," he declared.

Aryan Khan's directorial debut, "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," features a character resembling Wankhede, which sparked numerous reactions across social media. Wankhede first gained national prominence in 2021 following a raid on a cruise ship that led to Aryan Khan's arrest along with others in a drugs case. The younger Khan spent 25 days in custody before receiving bail. Eventually, all charges against him were dismissed, and the CBI filed an extortion case against Wankhede and others, alleging attempts to blackmail Shah Rukh Khan.