Deepika, Aryan Khan, Saif Ali Khan: Bollywood’s Most Talked-About Controversies This Year

Bollywood has spent much of 2025 battling courtroom disputes, safety scares, political arguments and viral online storms. The Hindi film industry has repeatedly stayed in the news, not only for releases, but for controversies involving several leading names. Together, these flashpoints have raised questions about creative freedom, workplace expectations, security for public figures and the intense gaze of social media in India.

From Deepika Padukone’s project exits and Aryan Khan’s legal trouble to Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing and Diljit Dosanjh’s casting row, many incidents have dominated headlines. Added to that are inheritance claims around Karisma Kapoor’s children, a social media stir involving Virat Kohli, and sharp comments by Jaya Bachchan, all shaping public debate around Bollywood’s 2025.

Bollywood controversies 2025: Deepika Padukone and work-life balance

Deepika Padukone has reportedly stepped away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Prabhas-starrer Spirit, and Triptii Dimri has taken the role. Reports have said Deepika and the team disagreed over an eight-hour workday, profit sharing and dates. The decision followed Deepika’s wish to prioritise motherhood after welcoming a daughter in 2024, and Deepika also later exited the Kalki 2898 AD sequel for similar reasons.

Neither Deepika nor Sandeep Reddy Vanga has issued a formal statement, yet discussions around the exit have grown. Many conversations have focused on how film schedules affect new parents, particularly women returning to demanding sets. The Spirit episode has therefore fed a larger conversation within Bollywood about work-life balance, contracts and flexibility in 2025.

Bollywood controversies 2025: Saif Ali Khan, Aryan Khan and legal concerns

Security concerns came sharply into focus after Saif Ali Khan was stabbed at Saif Ali Khan’s Mumbai residence in the early hours of 16 January. Police arrested the accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a few days later, booking charges of attempted robbery and assault. Saif Ali Khan was treated at Lilavati Hospital and discharged five days after the incident, renewing discussion on celebrity safety in Mumbai.

Aryan Khan has faced scrutiny of a different kind, centred on Aryan Khan’s Netflix project Ba**ds of Bollywood*. Former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation suit against the makers, claiming a character resembles Sameer Wankhede and portrays Sameer Wankhede in a negative way. Sameer Wankhede has sought an injunction and removal of certain scenes, arguing they were created to harm Sameer Wankhede’s public image.

Bollywood controversies 2025: Diljit Dosanjh, politics and casting choices

Diljit Dosanjh’s film Sardaar Ji 3 has drawn political heat because of co-star Hania Aamir, who is from Pakistan. Criticism intensified after the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, with renewed appeals from some groups for a complete bar on Pakistani artistes. Responding to the charged climate, the makers dropped plans for an Indian theatrical release and instead chose to release the film only in overseas markets.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) then again highlighted its 2019 directive that called for a full ban on Pakistani talent in Indian entertainment. The Sardaar Ji 3 row has therefore refreshed arguments about cross-border collaboration, the role of cultural exchange during political tension and how public sentiment can shape a film’s distribution strategy in Bollywood.

Bollywood controversies 2025: Hera Pheri 3, inheritance and public image

Comedy franchise Hera Pheri 3 has seen its own share of noise after reports suggested Paresh Rawal briefly walked out following a disagreement with Akshay Kumar. Speculation continued for months, including talk of legal friction. Akshay later clarified that relations with Paresh remain cordial and stated their legal differences were not a staged stunt, easing concerns for fans waiting for the sequel.

A separate legal story has played out around Karisma Kapoor’s children, Samaira and Kiaan, involving the will of late businessman Sunjay Kapur. The siblings have reportedly challenged the document in court, alleging forgery. They are in a dispute with their stepmother, Priya Sachdev, now Priya Kapur, regarding inheritance rights, access to assets and coverage of educational expenses, according to Karisma Kapoor’s lawyer.

Bollywood controversies 2025: Virat Kohli, Jaya Bachchan and media culture

Beyond cinema, cricketer Virat Kohli unexpectedly featured in a Bollywood-linked social media story in 2025. Virat Kohli’s verified Instagram account liked a photograph of actress Avneet Kaur, which fans quickly noticed. The interaction triggered memes and speculation, with some online users drawing Anushka Sharma into the conversation. Avneet Kaur reportedly gained over one million followers and secured 12 new brand deals afterward.

Virat attempted to put rumours to rest through an Instagram Stories note, stating that the like was not deliberate. Virat wrote, "I'd like to clarify that while clearing my feed, it appears the algorithm may have mistakenly registered an interaction." The clarification offered insight into how even small digital actions by major public figures can generate huge reaction in Bollywood-adjacent conversations.

Another flashpoint came from veteran actor and MP Jaya Bachchan, during the We The Women event with Barkha Dutt. Jaya Bachchan criticised aspects of paparazzi culture, while also noting a generally good relationship with the media. Comments about behaviour and professionalism among photographers drew mixed responses online. Filmmaker Ashok Pandit publicly opposed Jaya Bachchan’s remarks and accused Jaya Bachchan of 'snobbish elitism’.

Across these varied episodes, ranging from Deepika Padukone’s career decisions and Saif Ali Khan’s security scare to Diljit Dosanjh’s casting row, courtroom battles and social media storms, Bollywood has faced a demanding 2025. The Hindi film industry continues to negotiate legal challenges, political pressure and constant public attention, both on screens and behind the scenes.