As a dedicated follower of Bollywood for more than three decades now, I must say that 2024 has been quite the rollercoaster ride! The industry has always been known for its drama, but this year seems to have taken it to new heights – both on and off-screen.
2024 has been a rollercoaster ride for Bollywood, with both on-set and off-set events making waves in the news. From questionable comments to courtroom battles, the industry has had its share of newsworthy moments. Here are ten of the most talked-about controversies that shook Bollywood, fueling discussions and causing a stir on social media.
1. Ranbir Kapoor criticized after revealing Alia Bhatt didn’t know who Kishore Kumar was
In a surprising turn of events at the 50th International Film Festival, Ranbir Kapoor caused a stir when he shared that his wife, Alia Bhatt, was unaware of who Kishore Kumar was when they first met. During a casual chat, he humorously disclosed, “She inquired about who Kishore Kumar is.” He tried to justify it by saying it was part of the natural flow of life. However, social media users swiftly condemned his actions, accusing him of belittling Alia’s knowledge and presenting her in a negative light in public.
2. Rumors of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s separation
The well-known duo from Bollywood, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, have been under scrutiny lately due to whispers of their potential split. Additionally, there were rumors that Abhishek might be involved with his co-star from Dasvi, Nimrat Kaur. However, both Abhishek and Aishwarya have consistently dismissed these allegations, frequently spotted wearing their wedding rings and most recently attending their daughter’s annual event together, effectively silencing the gossip mill.
3. AR Rahman and Mohini Dey face link-up rumors after divorce announcements
AR Rahman’s declaration of his separation from wife Saira Banu occurred simultaneously with bassist Mohini Dey’s announcement of her divorce from Mark Hartsuch, fueling speculation on social media about a potential relationship between Rahman and Mohini. Many people speculated that there might be something more than just a professional bond between them, but Mohini quickly dismissed these rumors, stating that Rahman serves as a mentor or father figure to her. She also wrote an extensive post decrying the spread of false information and unfounded assumptions about their relationship.
4. Salman Khan’s receives multiple death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi gang
The well-known Bollywood star, Salman Khan, has been under constant danger from the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi group. An incident in April saw gunfire outside his home in Bandra, creating significant security issues. More recently, on November 8, the Mumbai Police disclosed a fresh threat warning that was delivered to the Traffic Control Room, allegedly from the Bishnoi gang. This conflict can be traced back to 1998, when Salman Khan was implicated in the death of two blackbucks, an animal highly revered by the Bishnoi community, leading to resentment that persists even today.
5. Arshad Warsi’s ‘joker’ comment on Prabhas sparks backlash
In a recent podcast conversation with Samdish Bhatia, Arshad Warsi caused a stir by commenting on Prabhas’ role in Kalki 2898 AD. When asked about the last disappointing movie he watched, Arshad criticized Prabhas’ acting performance, likening it to a jester and expressing his dissatisfaction. This led to criticism from the Telugu film industry, with figures like Nani, Sudheer Babu, and director Ajay Bhupathi taking issue with his choice of words. Arshad subsequently clarified that his criticism was aimed at the character, not Prabhas himself.
6. Raveena Tandon attacked by mob in Mumbai during road incident
In June, Raveena Tandon and her driver were involved in a confrontation with an angry mob in Mumbai after allegations of reckless driving. A video circulating online showed locals claiming that Raveena’s driver had physically harmed three women. When Raveena exited the vehicle to speak to the crowd, she was reportedly shoved and struck. The man leading the accusations asserted that Raveena was intoxicated and attacked a woman upon leaving the car. This incident took place on Carter Road in Bandra, Mumbai, causing much public interest.
7. Stree 2 faces credit war between leads post box office success
Following the success of Stree 2, a dispute over credit between actors Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor erupted. Their publicists engaged in online feuds, with each attributing their client’s impact on the movie’s success. Although Shraddha was marketed as the film’s main face, many believed Rajkummar had a more substantial role, sparking discussions about who actually propelled the film to its successful state.
8. Sharmin Segal faces backlash for performance in Heeramandi
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series Heeramandi received mostly favorable feedback, however, Sharmin Segal, portraying Alamzeb, encountered severe criticism regarding her acting skills. Audience members criticized her for a lack of emotional depth and repetitive performance. This criticism ignited discussions about nepotism, with netizens suggesting she was given the role due to familial ties. In response to the online backlash, Sharmin Segal chose to disable comments on social media to shield herself from the hateful remarks.
9. Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 copyright clash amid box office tensions
In a copyright dispute, Rohit Shetty’s team encountered a conflict with T-Series when the original Singham theme in the title track of Singham Again was taken down following a copyright complaint from T-Series, producers of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. This disagreement surfaced during the competitive battle at the box office. The track was then re-posted with an altered version, omitting the famous theme tune.
10. Divya Khosla criticizes Alia Bhatt’s Jigra and claims of box office manipulation
Divya Khosla stirred up a debate by harshly criticizing Alia Bhatt’s movie “Jigra,” alleging that it artificially boosted its box office earnings via fraudulent ticket sales. Furthermore, she asserted that “Jigra” was a blatant imitation of her own film “Savi,” which had been in development prior to it. This statement sparked a heated exchange with co-producer Karan Johar, who countered with an enigmatic comment. Khosla swiftly replied to this message, emphasizing the importance of ‘honesty’.
By the end of 2024, these ongoing controversies persist in defining Bollywood’s storyline, serving as a reminder that the realm of entertainment is always brimming with mystery. As the years progress, the boundaries between personal lives, professional disagreements, and courtroom battles become increasingly indistinct, leaving audiences on tenterhooks.
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2024-12-24 13:38