The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Mumbai Police to submit an Action Taken Report regarding a complaint against Netflix’s web series Ba*ds of Bollywood. The complaint alleges that actor Ranbir Kapoor was shown using a banned e-cigarette on screen without warnings, potentially misleading young viewers.
Vinay Joshi of the Legal Rights Observatory claimed that Season 1, Episode 7 of the series depicted Kapoor using the e-cigarette openly, promoting illegal activity and harming public health and morality. He urged strict action against the actors, producers, and Netflix for violating Indian laws.
The NHRC, under Priyank Kanoongo, invoked Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and noted that the scene violates Sections 4 and 7 of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, which prohibit use, storage, promotion, and advertising of e-cigarettes.
The commission has asked the Ministry to take immediate steps to prevent content that could negatively influence youth and directed Mumbai Police to investigate e-cigarette manufacturers and importers linked to the case. A report is to be submitted within two weeks.
Ba*ds of Bollywood, streaming from September 18, 2025, marks Aryan Khan’s directorial debut and features cameos from stars including Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Karan Johar.