As the curtain comes down on the year, Bollywood once again proved that the drama does not stop when the cameras do. From celebrity break-ups and legal battles to public apologies, creative disagreements and social media storms, the Hindi film industry saw a string of controversies that dominated headlines and fuelled endless conversations. Here is a look back at the Bollywood moments that generated the most buzz this year.

Palaash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana wedding speculations

Speculation surrounding composer Palaash Muchhal and cricketer Smriti Mandhana gathered pace towards the end of November. The couple, who were originally scheduled to get married on November 23, 2025, postponed the ceremony after Mandhana’s father, Shrinivas Mandhana, fell ill on the day of the wedding in Sangli. He reportedly showed “symptoms of a heart attack” and was rushed to Sarvhit Hospital.

The sudden postponement led to several rumours about the couple’s personal lives. However, Palaash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana later clarified the situation and announced that their wedding had been called off.

Ranveer Singh and the Kantara backlash

One of the most recent controversies involved actor Ranveer Singh after a viral video from a ceremony drew strong criticism. Ranveer was seen mimicking actor Rishab Shetty from ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ at IFFI 2025, which sparked backlash.

A complaint was filed against Ranveer Singh at the High Grounds Police Station. Advocate Prashant Bethal lodged the complaint under Sections 302, 299 and 354 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alleging that the act hurt the “religious feelings” of the people of Karnataka. Ranveer later issued an apology, stating that he holds “utmost admiration” for Rishab Shetty.

Deepika Padukone and the eight-hour work debate

Deepika Padukone found herself at the centre of a heated industry debate after her reported exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit. The development followed disagreements over working conditions, including a request for an eight-hour workday.

Several celebrities weighed in, directly and indirectly, on the need for more structured work hours in the film industry. In another development, Deepika was also dropped from Prabhas-starrer Kalki 2898 AD. The makers said they decided to part ways with her after “careful consideration”, adding that a film like Kalki requires a higher level of “commitment”.

India’s Got Latent controversy

Comedian Samay Raina’s show India’s Got Latent came under heavy scrutiny after controversial remarks made by Ranveer Allahbadia during an episode went viral.

The comments attracted widespread criticism on social media, prompting the podcaster to issue a public apology, admitting that the remarks were inappropriate and lacked humour.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court also reprimanded Samay Raina for insensitive remarks about persons with disabilities. The court directed Raina and four other comedians, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Nishant Jagdish Tanwar and Sonali Thakkar, to issue unconditional apologies. Raina apologised on October 26 through his social media handle.

‘The Taj Story’ release halt plea

The Taj Story emerged as one of the most talked-about releases of the year after facing criticism over its content. A Public Interest Litigation was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking to restrain or regulate the film’s release and exhibition. The petition alleged that the film distorted historical facts and threatened communal harmony and the dignity of national heritage.

The Delhi High Court, however, refused to halt the release, observing that it is not the judiciary’s role to act as a “Super Censor Board”.

Paresh Rawal’s exit from Hera Pheri 3

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s sudden exit from the third instalment of the Hera Pheri franchise shocked fans and the film industry alike. Reports later surfaced that Akshay Kumar had sued Rawal over what was described as an inappropriate departure from the project.

Reacting to the news, Suniel Shetty said, “I mean, it’s an absolute shock to me, and I’m here because I heard it yesterday, and then today, some more news came about. So, I need to call and find out, and I’m completely heartbroken because if there was one film that I was looking forward to, it was Hera Pheri, you know.”

Despite the brief setback, Paresh Rawal is reportedly back on the project, bringing the rift to an end.

Jaya Bachchan versus paparazzi

Jaya Bachchan once again made headlines for her sharp exchanges with paparazzi, reigniting debates around privacy, consent and media ethics. In a recent incident, she described the paparazzi culture as “strange” and questioned its professionalism.

She criticised their sense of authority, saying, “....Magar ye jo bahar drain-pipe tight gande gande pant pahen ke haath mein mobile leke... they think they have a mobile in their hand so they can take your picture?” While some dismissed her remarks as abrasive, others expressed mixed reactions.

Karisma Kapoor and Priya Sachdev legal battle

Following the death of Karisma Kapoor’s former husband Sunjay Kapur in June, legal disputes emerged over his assets and related documents, including his post-mortem report. Karisma Kapoor’s children sought an interim injunction to restrain Priya Kapur from dealing with or alienating Sunjay Kapur’s assets.

Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur were married from 2003 to 2016 and have two children together. Sunjay later married Priya Sachdev Kapur. Separately, Sunjay Kapur’s mother, Rani Kapur, challenged the will, claiming it was inconsistent with her son’s conduct.

Rani also alleged that Priya moved swiftly to consolidate control over businesses and assets after Sunjay’s death. She claimed that asset statements submitted to the court were incomplete and excluded valuable artworks, watches, bank accounts, insurance policies, rental income and other investments. After weeks of arguments, the Delhi High Court concluded hearings and reserved orders on the interim injunction plea filed by the children.

Saif Ali Khan stabbing incident

In January, actor Saif Ali Khan was injured in a knife attack during an alleged robbery attempt at his Bandra residence. The accused, Shariful Islam, also known as Shehzad, allegedly broke into the house, leading to the violent incident.

Saif Ali Khan suffered serious injuries, including damage to his thoracic spine, and was admitted to Lilavati Hospital. He was treated for five days before being discharged on January 21. Mumbai’s Bandra Police later filed a 1,000-page chargesheet in the case, citing multiple pieces of evidence.

Diljit Dosanjh faces backlash over Pakistani actor collaboration

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh also found himself at the centre of controversy after collaborating with a Pakistani actor in Sardaar Ji 3. The film, released overseas on June 27, sparked criticism amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor.

Diljit faced backlash from social media users, members of the film industry and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees over the collaboration.