Ranbir Kapoor’s cameo in Aryan Khan’s OTT series The Bads of Bollywood has sparked a new controversy. In the seventh episode, he is briefly seen using an e-cigarette in a scene with Karan Johar. The lack of a health warning drew criticism, and the NHRC directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Mumbai Police to act.
FIRs were registered against Ranbir, the producers, and Netflix under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. The complaint argued that showing vaping without disclaimers could wrongly influence young viewers. But fans believe the outrage is disproportionate, noting the scene lasted only seconds and did not glorify vaping.
Supporters also point to double standards. They argue that Animal showed toxic masculinity, smoking, and gun violence without facing similar objections, yet a brief vaping shot in The Bads of Bollywood has led to legal action. Many say Ranbir is being unfairly targeted.
On social media, fans connect the scrutiny to his upcoming role as Lord Ram in Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana. Since the announcement, every move of the actor has been closely watched. For fans, this controversy reflects how stars like Ranbir face magnified criticism, even for minor on-screen moments.
