Like the previous one, 2025 was another year marked by moments that went far beyond films and box office numbers. From unexpected exits from big-budget
projects and controversial viral videos to social media storms and industry-wide debates, several incidents grabbed headlines and sparked widespread discussion. While some raised questions about creative choices, others reignited conversations around accountability and behaviour. Here’s a look at the Bollywood controversies that dominated the year. Deepika Padukone's Kalki 2898 AD and Spirit Exit Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD over an 8-hour shift demand triggered an industry-wide debate. While many celebrities came out in support of the new mother, others argued that fixed working hours are not always viable in showbiz. ALSO READ: Spirit: What Went Wrong Between Sandeep Reddy Vanga And Deepika Padukone? EXPLAINED After months, DP broke her silence in October, calling out the double standards. She said, "Deepika added, "I don't want to take names now and make this into a whole thing, but it is very commonly, publicly known that a lot of male actors have been working for 8 hours a day for years. A lot of them only work for 8 hours from Monday to Friday. They do not work on weekends." Hera Pheri 3's Babu Rao Walks Out Hera Pheri 3 is one of the most awaited projects, and no one can imagine the film without its beloved Baburao. So, when Paresh Rawal announced his exit from the film, it didn’t go down well with fans. Akshay Kumar, who holds the rights to the film, reportedly sent a legal notice to Paresh for leaving the project mid-way. Later, in June, the actor confirmed that he is back on board. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see what the iconic trio cooks up. ALSO READ: Hera Pheri 3 Controversy EXPLAINED: Why Did Paresh Rawal Exit; How He And Akshay Kumar Resolved Issues Sardaar Ji 3 Row In the aftermath of the horrifying Pahalgam attack, the Indian film industry collectively moved to impose a fresh blanket ban on Pakistani actors. Soon after, the social media accounts of Hania Aamir, Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane and others were also blocked for Indian users. Industry bodies FWICE and AICWA also issued statements declaring the ban. However, despite this, Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 went ahead with its release, triggering massive backlash. For those unversed, the film features Hania in a key role. ALSO READ: Diljit Dosanjh Addresses Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy During Malaysia Concert: Matches Have Happened After Tragedy... Diljit, who faced massive backlash, later said, "When my film Sardaar Ji 3 was made in February, the matches were being played. But then the tragic Pahalgam terror attack happened. Since then, we have always prayed that the terrorists should receive the strictest punishment. There is a difference as my film was shot before the attack, and the match was played afterwards." Jaya Bachchan Paparazzi Remarks Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan, known for her stern interactions with the paparazzi, found herself at the centre of an online debate recently. During an interview, she snapped at photographers, and her “gandi pant” remark quickly drew backlash. She said, “Bahar drain-pipe type gande-gande pants pehen kar, haath mein mobile le kar… they think just because they have a phone, they can take your picture and say whatever they want, along with the kind of comments they pass (Wearing dirty pants like drain pipes, and mobile in hands, they think they can take your picture).” The comment did not go down well with several netizens and celebrity photographers, many of whom criticised her publicly on social media. ALSO READ: Ranveer Singh SLAMMED For 'Mocking' Rishabh Shetty's Kantara Scene, Calling Chavundi Daiva 'Female Ghost' Ranveer Singh Kantara Row At the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival in Goa, Ranveer Singh tried to pitch himself for Kantara 3. What started as a light-hearted request to Rishab Shetty, who was sitting in the audience, soon drew criticism online. Many felt Ranveer was making fun of an iconic scene from the film. The backlash grew stronger after he referred to Chavundi Daiva (the Goddess) as a “female ghost.” The Dhurandhar actor later apologised by saying, “My intention was to highlight Rishab’s performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know much it would take to perform that particular scene the way he did, for which he has my utmost admiration. “I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I have hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.” Apart from these, Mrunal Thakur’s comment on Bipasha Basu, Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal’s cancelled wedding, the lawsuit against The Ba***ds of Bollywood, and several other controversies made headlines in 2025.
