Ranbir Kapoor In Trouble? Human Rights Commission Flags Vaping Scene From The Ba***ds Of Bollywood

Aryan Khan’s directorial debut The Ba***ds of Bollywood has been at the centre of conversations ever since it dropped on Netflix, thanks to its bold satire, surprise cameos, and sharp industry commentary. But now, the series has landed in controversy after a cameo scene featuring Ranbir Kapoor showed the actor smoking an e-cigarette (vape) without any health disclaimer.

According to reports, a complaint was lodged with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleging that the portrayal of vaping without a statutory warning could influence impressionable viewers, particularly youngsters. Acting on the complaint, the NHRC has written to the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urging immediate action to curb such content on OTT

platforms.

On the basis of a complaint that Netflix web series titled the 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' allegedly showed actor Ranbir Kapoor using banned e-cigarettes on screen without a warning or disclaimer, the National Human Rights Commission writes to the Secretary, Ministry of…

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2025

The commission has also formally approached the Mumbai Police Commissioner, recommending that an FIR be registered against Ranbir Kapoor, the producers of the series, and Netflix under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Mumbai Police over a complaint against Netflix's web series 'Ba***ds of Bollywood'. The complainant alleged actor Ranbir Kapoor was shown using a banned… pic.twitter.com/rHMn4f6hbJ

— IANS (@ians_india) September 22, 2025

Fans Shocked By Scene

The controversy has also surprised Ranbir Kapoor’s fans. The actor, in an earlier interaction with a fan, had revealed that he had quit smoking and alcohol and had even turned vegetarian. Seeing him vaping on screen in Aryan Khan’s show, therefore, left many viewers shocked and confused.

Cameos Galore

Ranbir’s cameo is just one of many star-studded appearances that have kept audiences buzzing. The Ba***ds of Bollywood also features cameos by Ranveer Singh, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Arshad Warsi, Disha Patani, Arjun Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, and several others.

Beyond the cameos, the show has been making headlines for its fearless digs at Bollywood itself, including a cheeky nod to controversial figures like Sameer Wankhede.

Critical Response

Despite the brewing controversy, Aryan Khan’s debut has been largely well-received. The series stars Lakshya, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Mona Singh, Sahher Bambba, and Anya Singh in pivotal roles. Critics and audiences alike have praised its audacity, sharp humour, and willingness to poke fun at the industry’s inner workings.

However, with the NHRC complaint now in play, it remains to be seen whether Netflix and the makers of the show will face legal repercussions over Ranbir Kapoor’s vaping scene.