Sameer Wankhede reacts to defamation suit against Aryan Khan’s series 'The Ba***Ds Of Bollywood'

Sameer Wankhede, former Mumbai zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), sidestepped direct questions about his defamation lawsuit against the creators of 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' series. Addressing the media at a drug awareness camp in Mumbai, Wankhede told PTI, "I don’t want to comment on this. I will just say one thing — Satyamev Jayate (Truth alone triumphs)."

Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi, who represents the Mankhurd Shivajinagar constituency in Mumbai, was spotted in the background during Sameer Wankhede's media interaction.

He also said, "In our Mumbai area, the issues of drug consumption, and especially in Northern Mumbai or Eastern Mumbai, we need to create awareness among the public about what types of drugs exist. What are the legal provisions for that? A camp was organised here to talk to parents, and I'm very happy that I came here and talked to the children, mothers, religious leaders, and tried to explain to them the legal provisions to the best of my ability."

Why the Case Was Filed

The web series "The Bads of Bollywood" has sparked controversy due to a character resembling former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede. The similarity was highlighted on social media, drawing parallels to Wankhede's high-profile arrest of Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan's son, in a 2021 drug case.

Wankhede has since filed a defamation suit against the makers of the series, including Shah Rukh Khan's production company Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix, seeking ₹2 crore in damages. He claims the show's portrayal is "false, malicious, and defamatory," damaging his reputation.

?2 Crore Damages & Donation

Sameer Wankhede is seeking ₹2 crore in damages from the makers of 'The Bads of Bollywood', which he claims has defamed him. Notably, if awarded, he intends to donate the entire amount to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital to support cancer patient treatment.

What the Series Shows

A scene in the web series "The Bads of Bollywood" shows a character resembling Sameer Wankhede, dressed in a white shirt and dark trousers, stepping out of a jeep and declaring a "war against drugs" at a party.

The character targets Bollywood personalities, arresting someone who was only drinking, not involved in drugs. What's more, the character makes an obscene gesture by raising his middle finger immediately after reciting "Satyamev Jayate," India's national motto.