B-town has witnessed some major scandals and controversies throughout 2025. From interpersonal dynamics within the fraternity to security threats and trade wars, it has indeed been a dramatic year for the industry.
As the year comes to a close, here are some of the biggest controversies that shook up B-town:
Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Incident
At the beginning of the year, Saif Ali Khan was attacked by an intruder armed with a knife at his Bandra residence. The intruder attempted a robbery, leading to a scuffle in the early hours. Saif sustained serious injuries, raising widespread discussions about celebrity security and public concern.
Controversy Over ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Casting
The film featuring Diljit Dosanjh faced backlash due to the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, especially after the Pahalgam attacks and Operation Sindoor. This controversy underscored the larger tensions associated with cross-border casting choices. Consequently, Diljit decided not to release the film in India.
Shilpa Shetty’s Deepfake Issue
The Bombay High Court ordered the removal of manipulated AI videos of Shilpa Shetty, shining a light on the rising concerns regarding AI misuse and the protection of personality rights online.
Deepika Padukone’s High-Profile Departures
Deepika opted out of ‘Spirit’ and was let go from the ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel, reportedly due to disagreements over working conditions, such as demands for eight-hour shifts and contract terms. This sparked discussions in the industry about work-life balance and fairness.
‘Hera Pheri 3’ Behind-the-Scenes Conflicts
The eagerly awaited franchise faced behind-the-scenes conflicts among actors and producers, generating public friction and speculation.
‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ Release Dispute
A clash erupted between theatre chain PVR Inox and the filmmakers concerning the film’s direct release on streaming. This led to courtroom drama surrounding rights and exclusivity windows.
Ranveer Singh’s ‘Kantara’ Controversy
Ranveer Singh found himself at the center of a controversy when his playful reference to cultural elements in ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ attracted online criticism, prompting him to apologize for perceived insensitivity.
Akshaye Khanna’s Exit from ‘Drishyam 3’
Akshaye Khanna, who has impressed audiences with his recent performances, made the unexpected decision to opt out of ‘Drishyam 3’. This decision ignited substantial chatter and coverage. Reports indicate that disagreements over remuneration and creative aspects were factors in his exit. After a series of strong performances, Khanna was seeking a significant fee increase, with figures around INR 21 crore mentioned, which the filmmakers were reportedly unable to accommodate.
Viral Clip of A. P. Dhillon and Tara Sutaria
Recently, a clip featuring A. P. Dhillon and Tara Sutaria went viral, allegedly showing Dhillon kissing Sutaria. The subsequent shots revealed Sutaria’s boyfriend, Veer Pahariya, appearing uncomfortable with the interaction. The clip sparked debate online, with critics labeling the actress’s conduct as inappropriate while others dismissed it as harmless stage chemistry. This incident fueled relationship speculations and meme culture, driven largely by online perceptions rather than confirmed conflict.