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Bollywood, India’s vibrant and ever-evolving film industry, is no stranger to controversies. While it continues to dazzle audiences with grand cinematic spectacles, it also frequently finds itself in the eye of the storm due to scandals, disputes, and unexpected events. From shocking crimes to heated debates over creative freedom, January 2025 proved to be a month full of turmoil for Bollywood.
Let’s dive into the most talked-about Bollywood controversies that shook everyone in the first month of 2025
Attack on Saif Ali Khan during an attempted robbery at his Bandra house
The most shocking and horrifying controversy of the month was the violent attack on Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan at his Mumbai residence. On January 16, 2025, an intruder broke into Khan’s home and brutally stabbed him multiple times, leaving the actor in critical condition. The assailant, later after hours of manhunt, was arrested by the police.
The attack left the film fraternity shaken, raising serious concerns about celebrity security in India. Saif Ali Khan, who underwent an emergency spinal surgery, is currently recovering. He is back to his home, where the security has been beefed up. The police are doing their investigation in the matter.
Padmaavat’s re-release triggers fresh controversy
Celebrating the seventh anniversary, the re-release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Padmaavat’ on January 24, 2025, reignited old debates about historical misrepresentation and cultural insensitivity.
When first released in 2018, the film faced massive protests for allegedly distorting history, and its re-release once again sparked outrage from certain groups who believe it misrepresents Rani Padmavati’s legacy. Some historians argue that the film romanticizes certain aspects of history, while others maintain that it is purely a work of fiction.
The controversy has led to calls for stricter guidelines on historical films, sparking debates about artistic freedom versus historical accuracy in Bollywood.
Urvashi Rautela faces public outrage over her “insensitive” remark
Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela found herself at the center of a social media storm after a controversial remark during an interview. When asked about the issue of celebrity security in the wake of Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing incident, the actress told ANI, “It is very unfortunate. Now, Daaku Maharaaj has crossed ₹105 crore at the box office, and my mother gifted me this diamond-studded Rolex, while my father gifted me this mini watch on my finger, but we don’t feel confident wearing it outside openly. There is this insecurity that anybody can attack us. Whatever happened was very unfortunate.”
The internet could not stand the remark and the actress faced massive backlash. Urvashi Rautela later defended herself, stating that her intentions were misunderstood. She even issued a written apology on her social media handle.
Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ gets banned in Bangladesh, faces protests in India
Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated political drama ‘Emergency’, released on January 17, 2025, stirred major controversy after facing bans in Bangladesh and Punjab and protests in several parts of India.
The film, which portrays the controversial 1975 Emergency period in India, was accused of being politically biased and offensive towards certain historical figures. While some praised Ranaut’s bold storytelling, others argued that the film manipulates historical facts to push a certain narrative.
Amid protests, theaters in certain regions were forced to pull screenings, and multiple political groups demanded legal action against the film. This controversy has once again fueled the ongoing debate about censorship in Indian cinema.
As the industry moves forward, it remains to be seen how these controversies will shape its future. Will security measures for celebrities improve? Will Bollywood embrace more creative freedom? Will social media become a more hostile space for celebrities?
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