The most controversial statements made in and about Bollywood this year

Bollywood and controversy go hand-in-hand. Our Bollywood celebs, usually known to be diplomatic and politically correct, however often slip up and land in a foot in mouth situation, usually by making a statement that does not sit well with the public. Here are some of the most controversial statements of this year, that led to virtual spats and huge public outrage...

The actor, known to speak her mind had earlier derided Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi's statement that the army is "always ready" for any order from the Indian government on taking back parts of POK and "would give them (Pakistan) a befitting reply". Richa reshared the tweet, saying "Galwan says hi", referring to the 2020 Galwan clash with the Chinese troops. Following huge public outrage, the Fukrey actor issued a public apology and deleted the tweet.

It all started when regional director, actor and screenwriter Sudeep Sanjeev, popularly known as Kichcha Sudeep, who works primarily in Kannada movies, tweeted a statement saying that 'Hindi is not a national language'. Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn soon wrote a long note in Hindi, as a reply to him on Twitter, tagging him. The two sparred for a bit on the issue before finally burying the hatchet and moving on.

Nadav Lapid, who served as the chairperson of IFFI's International jury termed The Kashmir Files a 'vulgar and propaganda' movie in his speech at the festival. His statement invited widespread wrath from the world, including the Israeli PM. While Lapid stood by his statement till the end, The Kashmir Files director Vivek Agnihotri and actor Anupam Kher heavily panned him, calling him an 'opportunist' who used the IFFI platform for his own agenda.

The actor who starred in one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva stirred up a hornet's nest when she told a publication that she can't always defend herself verbally and will let her work do the talking. The Darlings actor was also quick to add that if the audience had so many issues with her and her nepotism background, they should simply not watch her movies at all. Alia was quick to be trolled for her statement but the 29-year-old remained unperturbed.

It all began at a campaign speech in Gujarat, when the actor and politician made a remark on Rohingya migrants and Bangladeshis in Gujarat. Saying that gas cylinder will become cheaper again, inflation will go up & down but what will happen if Rohingyas start living next to the Gujaratis? He further fueled the fire by adding that if illegal immigrants encroached Gujarat, what will the locals do with the reduced gas price, cook fish for the Bengalis? The actor was heavily panned for his statement and despite the public apology, he was still summoned by the Kolkata police.