When Bollywood celebrities faced vandalism: Fame meets fury

The King of Bollywood has faced backlash multiple times. During the release of My Name Is Khan (2010), Shiv Sena workers vandalized posters and protested outside cinemas after SRK spoke in favor of including Pakistani cricketers in the IPL. Again in 2022-23, during the promotions of Pathaan, the saffron outfit controversy and Deepika’s bikini color in "Besharam Rang" sparked political outrage. Posters were torn, protests erupted across cities, and theaters were threatened with damage.

The sets of Padmaavat (2018), directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, were repeatedly vandalized by Karni Sena members who believed the film distorted history. The group attacked the film set in Rajasthan and vandalized the director’s equipment. Later, during promotions, effigies of Deepika were burnt, and threats were issued, sparking nationwide concern.

In 2020, amidst her war of words with the Maharashtra government and Shiv Sena, Kangana’s Mumbai office was partly demolished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), citing “illegal construction.” The incident occurred just before her arrival in Mumbai, leading to massive political and media frenzy. Kangana compared the situation to “Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.”

Bhansali is no stranger to controversies. Apart from Padmaavat, his previous project Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela also faced protests and vandalism from certain groups who objected to the film’s title and religious themes. The director has repeatedly faced disruptions during shoots and promotions, often forcing location changes and heightened security.

In 2015, after Aamir Khan spoke about rising intolerance in India, political and social groups retaliated fiercely. His endorsement contracts were affected, and Snapdeal even faced boycott calls. While there was no direct vandalism at his home, effigies were burnt, posters defaced, and public anger spilled over into physical threats, sparking serious debate on freedom of expression.

Following the Uri attacks in 2016, there was a nationwide call to ban Pakistani artists. Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil featured Fawad Khan, and the backlash was immediate. MNS workers vandalized theaters and threatened cinema owners. Karan had to release a video stating he would not work with Pakistani actors again.

Although not directly due to his films, Salman Khan’s long-standing black buck case in Jodhpur triggered several protests by groups both in favor of and against him. His effigies were burnt during court proceedings, and banners outside courtrooms were damaged by protestors. Security was tightened during verdict announcements due to potential mob actions.