NHRC intervenes after Netflix’s The Ba**ds of Bollywood allegedly shows Ranbir Kapoor using a banned e-cigarette without warning, potentially influencing youth. It urges the government to act and recommends FIR against Kapoor, producers, and Netflix.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) intervened in a controversy surrounding Netflix’s web series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, directed by Aryan Khan.
A complaint alleges that actor Ranbir Kapoor was depicted using a banned e-cigarette in a scene without any statutory warning or disclaimer, potentially influencing young viewers.
The NHRC has written to the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urging the government to take appropriate action to prohibit such content on OTT platforms, citing its potential influence on impressionable audiences, particularly youth.
Additionally, the Commission has addressed a letter to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, recommending the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Ranbir Kapoor, the show’s producers, the production company, and streaming platform Netflix.
The complaint cites an alleged violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, which bans the promotion, use, and display of e-cigarettes in India.
The NHRC’s intervention highlights the importance of responsible content in media, especially when it involves potentially harmful products or behavior. As of now, there has been no official response from Netflix, Ranbir Kapoor, or the production team of the series.
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA) is an Indian legislation that prohibits the production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes, including all vaping products.
Ban on E-Cigarettes:
- No individual or business is allowed to produce, sell, or use e-cigarettes in India.
- The law covers both nicotine-based and non-nicotine vaping products.
Penalties:
- For a first offense, a person may face up to 1 year of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs.1 lakh, or both.
- For subsequent offenses, the punishment may extend to up to 3 years in jail, a fine of up to Rs.5 lakh, or both.
Advertisement Restrictions:
- Any form of promotion or advertising of e-cigarettes is strictly forbidden.
Government Authority:
- The central government has the power to regulate e-cigarettes and related products to safeguard public health.
A complaint was filed, On September 22, regarding The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which features a well known actor, Ranbir Kapoor, using a banned e-cigarette on screen, without any warning or disclaimer.”
The complainant further alleged that the scene was streamed openly, which misled or negatively influenced young viewers by promoting the use of such banned substances. The complainant has sought legal action against the actors, producers, and Netflix for violating Indian laws and spreading harmful content.
In the series finale of The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, Ranbir Kapoor makes a cameo appearance as himself. In this scene, he interacts with filmmaker Karan Johar and Sanya (Anya Singh), the manager of the show’s lead character, Aasmaan Singh (Lakshya). It is in this moment that Kapoor is seen using a vape.
Additionally, the seven-episode series, which premiered on Netflix on September 18, features notable cameos from other Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Emraan Hashmi.