New Delhi — Sameer Wankhede, the former zonal director of India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), has moved the Delhi High Court with a defamation lawsuit against Red Chillies Entertainment (Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s company), Netflix, and others involved in the production and streaming of the show The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. 

Wankhede alleges that the show includes content which is false, malicious, and defaming—both of his personal and professional reputation. He also contends that the portrayal tends to insult anti-drug agencies and may damage public faith in these institutions. Below are four key alleged reasons as per the petition/papers and media reports about why he has filed this suit:

Four Alleged Grounds for the Lawsuit

Distorted & Negative Portrayal of Anti-Drug Agencies
The petition claims The Ba**ds of Bollywood* misrepresents anti-drug enforcement work (specifically that of the NCB or similar agencies), suggesting they act in exaggerated, comical, or unfair ways. Wankhede argues this misrepresentation could erode public trust in law enforcement and anti-drug agencies. 

Defamatory Character Resembling Wankhede
The show includes a character that many viewers and the petition argue is clearly modelled on Wankhede—a caricature in behaviour, speech, and role. Wankhede says this character’s comedic, exaggerated actions (for example in raiding parties, targeting Bollywood personalities) are false and constitute defamation.

Insulting Use of National Symbols / National Slogan & Obscene Gesture
One particularly sensitive point in the petition is that a scene allegedly shows a character making an obscene gesture (raising the middle finger) immediately after uttering “Satyamev Jayate,” which is part of India’s National Emblem / the national slogan. Wankhede claims this constitutes violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and is deeply disrespectful.

Violation of Laws Relating to Obscenity, Offence, and Information Technology & Judiciary Duty
Wankhede alleges that portions of the show violate provisions under the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He asserts that the content is obscene, offensive, and intended to provoke, possibly outrage public feeling. The lawsuit claims that since the underlying legal proceedings involving Aryan Khan and Wankhede are still sub judice (pending in court), the show is irresponsible and prejudicial.  

Other Context & Stakes

Wankhede is seeking permanent injunctions, declarations, and damages (reportedly about ₹2 crore) in the case. 

He has said he would donate any awarded damages to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. 

The case raises broader questions around where artistic freedom ends and defamation begins, especially in works that take inspiration from real events or people.