Public discourse around Indian celebrity culture underwent a marked transformation in 2025, with controversies increasingly centred on ethics, responsibility and accountability rather than box office performance alone. A series of high-profile incidents brought workplace practices, personal safety, creative freedom and media conduct into sharp focus, reflecting a broader shift in how fame is viewed and questioned in the public domain.
The year began with a significant conversation on labour norms in the film industry after actor Deepika Padukone reportedly stepped away from Spirit over concerns related to working conditions, including an eight-hour workday. The issue gained further traction when producers Vyjayanthi Movies announced that Padukone would not be part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, citing the need for greater “commitment”. Together, the developments triggered widespread debate among filmmakers and actors about structured work schedules and sustainable practices in cinema.
Comedy and online content also found themselves under scrutiny. Controversial remarks on the show India’s Got Latent, hosted by Samay Raina, sparked outrage after comments by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia went viral, prompting a public apology. Earlier in the year, the Supreme Court had reprimanded Raina along with comedians Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Nishant Jagdish Tanwar and Sonali Thakkar for insensitive jokes about persons with disabilities, directing them to issue unconditional apologies.
Cultural sensitivity became another flashpoint at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, after a clip of Ranveer Singh mimicking Rishab Shetty’s character from Kantara: Chapter 1 circulated widely online. A police complaint was filed in Karnataka alleging hurt religious sentiments, following which Singh apologised, stating that his actions stemmed from admiration for Shetty’s work.
Legal challenges to creative expression also featured prominently. The film The Taj Story faced a Public Interest Litigation in the Delhi High Court, with petitioners alleging historical distortion and potential threats to communal harmony. The court, however, declined to stop the release, observing that it could not act as a “super censor board”.
In the commercial film space, fans were briefly alarmed when Paresh Rawal exited Hera Pheri 3, leading to reports of possible legal action by Akshay Kumar. Co-actor Suniel Shetty described the situation as “heartbreaking”, though Rawal later confirmed his return, putting an end to speculation.
Questions of privacy and media ethics resurfaced after veteran actor Jaya Bachchan criticised paparazzi culture, calling it intrusive and questioning the authority photographers assume simply by holding a phone. Her remarks reignited discussions around consent and boundaries in celebrity coverage.
Off-screen legal battles also captured public attention. Following the death of industrialist Sunjay Kapur, a dispute emerged between Karisma Kapoor’s children and Kapur’s widow, Priya Sachdev Kapur, over his estate and the validity of his will. Kapur’s mother, Rani Kapur, also challenged the document, with the Delhi High Court reserving orders on an interim injunction plea.
Personal safety concerns were highlighted by a violent incident in January, when actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed during an alleged robbery at his Bandra residence. He sustained serious injuries, including damage to the thoracic spine, and was treated at Lilavati Hospital. Police later filed a detailed chargesheet in the case.
Meanwhile, speculation around the personal lives of public figures continued to draw attention. Composer Palaash Muchhal and cricketer Smriti Mandhana clarified rumours surrounding their wedding after a November ceremony was postponed due to a medical emergency involving Mandhana’s father. The couple later confirmed that the wedding had been called off.
Cross-border collaborations also became contentious amid geopolitical tensions. Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh faced criticism for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, with industry bodies such as the Federation of Western India Cine Employees objecting to the move in the wake of strained India–Pakistan relations following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
The year closed with legal controversy surrounding The Bads of Bollywood, the directorial debut of Aryan Khan. Former NCB officer Sameer Dnyandev Wankhede alleged that the Red Chillies Entertainment-produced series contained defamatory references linked to the 2021 Cordelia cruise case involving Shah Rukh Khan’s son.
Collectively, these episodes defined 2025 as a pivotal year for Indian celebrity culture—one where influence increasingly came paired with accountability, and where public scrutiny reshaped conversations around rights, responsibility and restraint.
