The year 2025 has been a defining period for India's celebrity landscape, proving that fame extends far beyond the silver screen and cricket pitch. A series of high-profile incidents involving top stars sparked intense public debates on workplace ethics, personal safety, media responsibility, and cultural sensitivity. Here is a detailed look at the controversies that captured the nation's attention this year.
Workplace Ethics and High-Profile Exits
The industry's work culture came under the spotlight when Deepika Padukone made a shocking exit from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film 'Spirit'. Reports indicated her request for an eight-hour workday was a key point of contention. This move ignited a heated debate on the need for structured working hours in Bollywood, with several celebrities weighing in. In a separate development, Padukone was also dropped from the big-budget project 'Kalki 2898 AD', starring Prabhas. The producers stated the decision was made after "careful consideration," noting the film required a greater level of "commitment."
In another surprising move, veteran actor Paresh Rawal suddenly departed from the third installment of the popular 'Hera Pheri' franchise, sending shockwaves through the industry. Reports even suggested co-star Akshay Kumar had initiated legal action over the exit. A dismayed Suniel Shetty expressed his heartbreak over the news. However, the rift was reportedly short-lived, with Rawal eventually returning to the project.
Public Backlash and Legal Troubles
Several celebrities found themselves facing severe public and legal backlash for their actions. Ranveer Singh was at the center of a major controversy after a viral video showed him mimicking actor Rishab Shetty's iconic performance from 'Kantara: Chapter 1' at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. A complaint was filed against him at the High Grounds Police Station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of the people of Karnataka. The actor later issued a public apology, expressing his "utmost admiration" for Shetty.
The release of the film 'The Taj Story' was mired in controversy, with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Delhi High Court seeking to halt its release. The petition alleged the film distorted historical facts and threatened communal harmony and national heritage. The court, however, refused to stop the release, stating it was not the judiciary's role to act as a "Super Censor Board."
Comedian Samay Raina's show 'India's Got Latent' faced intense scrutiny after controversial remarks by guest Ranveer Allahbadia went viral, drawing widespread criticism. Allahbadia later apologized. Earlier in the year, the Supreme Court had reprimanded Raina himself for insensitive comments about persons with disabilities, directing him and four other comedians to issue unconditional apologies.
Personal Ordeals and Paparazzi Clashes
The year also saw celebrities grappling with serious personal and legal battles. In a frightening incident in January 2025, actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed during an alleged robbery attempt at his Bandra residence. The assailant, Shariful Islam, broke into the actor's home, leaving Khan with severe injuries to his thoracic spine. He was hospitalized at Lilavati Hospital for five days. The Bandra Police later filed a comprehensive 1000-page chargesheet in the case.
Following the death of her former husband, industrialist Sunjay Kapur, in June 2025, Karisma Kapoor became embroiled in a complex legal battle. Her children sought an interim injunction to restrain Sunjay's second wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, from dealing with his assets. Sunjay's mother, Rani Kapur, also challenged his will, alleging inconsistencies and incomplete disclosure of assets. The Delhi High Court has concluded hearings and reserved its order on the injunction plea.
Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan once again vocally criticized the paparazzi culture, questioning its ethics and professionalism. She described the scene as "strange" and challenged the authority of individuals who believe carrying a phone grants them the right to take pictures, reigniting debates on privacy and media ethics.
In other news, the much-speculated wedding between composer Palaash Muchhal and cricketer Smriti Mandhana, scheduled for November 23, 2025, was called off after Mandhana's father fell ill on the wedding day in Sangli. The couple later confirmed the cancellation themselves, putting various rumors to rest.
Cross-Border Collaborations and Defamation Allegations
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh faced significant backlash for collaborating with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his film 'Sardaar Ji 3', which released on June 27 overseas. The controversy was amplified amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor. Criticism came from social media users, industry figures, and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).
Finally, Aryan Khan's directorial debut web series, 'The Ba**ds of Bollywood', faced legal trouble. Former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede filed a rejoinder in the Delhi High Court, alleging that Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment produced "false, malicious and defamatory" content aimed at maligning his reputation. Wankhede contended the series was a "personal vendetta disguised as satire" related to the 2021 Cordelia cruise drug case involving Aryan Khan.
These incidents of 2025 collectively illustrate the complex terrain Indian celebrities now navigate, where their professional choices, personal lives, and public statements are subject to relentless scrutiny and can instantly trigger nationwide debates.
