The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested an Action Taken Report from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Mumbai Police concerning a complaint about Netflix’s web series ‘The Bads of Bollywood’. This complaint pertains to a scene featuring actor Ranbir Kapoor using an e-cigarette, which is a banned substance in India, and notably lacks any health warning or disclaimer. The petitioner has expressed concerns that such depictions could mislead young viewers and inadvertently encourage vaping, which is illegal in the country. The NHRC’s notice underscores the increasing scrutiny of media content that depicts substance use, stressing the obligation of platforms and creators to adhere to regulations.
The series, directed by Aryan Khan, chronicles the experiences of a young man facing the challenges of Bollywood, while industry insiders confront their own issues in this satirical portrayal. Kapoor’s brief scene involving the e-cigarette has ignited discussions among audiences, parents, and advocacy groups. The NHRC has formally notified the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urging immediate action to limit content that could adversely affect young viewers. At the same time, the Mumbai Police Commissioner has been instructed to investigate the manufacturers and importers of the electronic cigarettes featured. The Commissioner has been given a two-week timeline to present an action report to the commission.