The year 2025 proved to be a rollercoaster for the Indian entertainment and sports world, marked by a series of high-profile scandals and public disputes. From shocking fallouts and legal battles to cancelled weddings and diplomatic rows involving films, several celebrities found themselves in the eye of the storm. Here is a detailed look at the major controversies that dominated the news cycle throughout the year.
High-Profile Fallouts and Legal Battles
One of the biggest stories of the year involved Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone and her reported fallout with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Allegations concerning her fees and a demand for an 8-hour workday led to her being replaced in the upcoming film Spirit. The ripple effects continued as the makers of Kalki 2898 AD announced she would not be part of their sequel, citing an inability to find a partnership. Padukone also stepped away from the Hindi remake of The Intern.
In another significant legal tussle, veteran actor Paresh Rawal shocked fans by announcing his exit from the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3. Co-star and producer Akshay Kumar subsequently sued Rawal for damages worth ₹25 crores. After a period of contradictory statements, the original Baburao eventually returned to the project, but not before the lawsuit made national headlines.
A family dispute turned into a massive legal case following the tragic death of businessman Sunjay Kapur, ex-husband of actress Karisma Kapoor. After Kapur passed away from a heart attack while playing polo in the UK, his children with Karisma moved the Delhi High Court. They challenged a will that allegedly excluded them from his ₹30,000 crore estate, granting everything to his wife Priya Sachdev and her children.
Social Scandals and Public Backlash
Playback singer Udit Narayan faced intense criticism after a video from an event went viral, showing him kissing a female fan on the lips as she attempted to take a selfie. Defending his actions later to Hindustan Times, Narayan stated, "Fans itne deewane hote hain na. Hum log aise nahi hain, hum decent log hain. Some people encourage this and show their love through this."
The new celebrity talk show Two Much With Kajol And Twinkle, hosted by Kajol and Twinkle Khanna, sparked immediate controversy. In one episode, the duo appeared to defend infidelity, suggesting physical unfaithfulness was "not a deal breaker." Khanna's remark, "Raat gayi baat gayi," added fuel to the fire, drawing widespread condemnation from viewers.
A political and cultural firestorm erupted when legendary actor Kamal Haasan stated, "Kannada was born out of Tamil," at a film event. The comment led to widespread protests, boycott calls against his film Thug Life, and eventually, the matter being taken to the Supreme Court.
Canceled Plans and Cross-Border Tensions
In a personal scandal that captivated the nation, cricketer Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal called off their wedding at the last minute. Pre-wedding festivities had already begun at Mandhana's native place. The situation grew murkier when both removed pictures from social media, leading to rampant cheating rumours about Muchhal.
The digital space saw its share of trouble with comedian Samay Raina. His YouTube show India’s Got Latent faced multiple FIRs, initially triggered by a controversial question posed by guest Ranveer Allahbadia. The issue also involved creators Ashish Chanchlani and Apoorva Mukhija.
Geopolitical tensions impacted Bollywood directly. The film Aabeer Gulaal, marking Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's comeback alongside Vaani Kapoor, was blocked in India. Similarly, Diljit Dosanjh's film Sardaar Ji 3 was denied a release for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Both projects faced severe criticism for working with Pakistani artists despite an unofficial ban, highlighting the ongoing industry fallout from international disputes.
In conclusion, 2025 was a year where the personal and professional lives of India's celebrities became inextricably linked with legal courts, public opinion, and even international diplomacy. These controversies not only provided tabloid fodder but also sparked serious conversations about professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and the complex intersection of art and politics.
