From Alia Bhatt’s ‘Wipe It Off’ To Sara Ali Khan’s Middle Class Persona, Bollywood Controversies That Sparked Outrage
In the digital age, these PR disasters didn't just trend online; they changed the public perception of these stars in front of the audience.
The film industry takes a star to cloud nine with the audience’s love, but it also takes one down to rock bottom with a foot-in-mouth moment. From tone-deaf takes to controversial opinions, some of the biggest names like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, and more have triggered major backlash that has spiralled far beyond a bad interview. In the digital age, these PR disasters didn’t just trend online; they changed the public perception of these stars in front of the audience. Read to know some of the most viral ones.
Bollywood’s Most Controversial Statements
1. Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor’s “Wipe It Off”
Two years back, Bollywood star Alia Bhatt found herself in the middle of a controversy after her interview with Vogue India. During this, the actor was seen doing her skincare routine when she applied lipstick as one of her final steps. And amid this, she mentioned that her now husband and then boyfriend told her to “wipe it off” as he preferred her natural lip colour. This statement did not sit well with many on the internet, who called Ranbir a ‘red flag’ for asking his girlfriend to remove her lipstick. This turned out to be a very big controversy, with people calling out Kapoor for this.
2. Sara Ali Khan’s ‘Down To Earth’ Personality
Born in a Royal family, Sara Ali Khan’s entire ‘middle-class’ persona was well-liked by the audience at first, until it became too much. Her saying that she begged for roles not paying Rs 400 for International roaming, was irritating at best. While it would have been an attempt to make her relatable, Khan’s trademarking of her “Namaste” and kurti personality was not well-received after a point.
3. Jackky Bhagnani, Rakul Preet Singh’s ‘Situationship’
During a recent chat with a YouTube channel, Jackky Bhagnani broke the internet after he said that he and Rakul Preet Singh were in a “situationship.” He stated that though they were exclusive to each other, which is why they are married, the most crucial thing is that he could talk to his wife without anything.
4. Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh At Koffee With Karan
This controversy was one of the most talked-about on the infamous Koffee With Karan show. When Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh sat for a chat with Karan Johar, they found themselves in one of the biggest disasters of Bollywood as they narrated their love story in front of the world. During this, Deepika Padukone revealed that there was no commitment” between her and Singh during their dating period, and they were “technically allowed” to see other people until he proposed. This got many on the internet to slut shame the actress, which was unfair.
5. Kareena Kapoor Not Being A ‘Feminist’
During the promotions of Veere Di Wedding, Kareena Kapoor was asked about her views on feminism and whether she was one. To this, she looked at Sonam and Swars Bhaskar, paused for a moment, and replied, “Well, I believe in equality. I won’t say I am a feminist; I would say I am a woman. And, above all, I am a human being.” Sitting right beside her, Sonam Kapoor even cheered for this statement, which was heavily criticised online, since believing in equality is the basic definition of being a feminist.
First Published: April 27, 2026 5:41 PM
