The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has filed a complaint against Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, the producers, and streaming giant Netflix over a controversial scene in the web series The Bads of Bollywood*. The scene depicts Kapoor using an e-cigarette without displaying the mandatory health warning, raising concerns over compliance with Indian regulations.
According to the NHRC, the portrayal of e-cigarette use in the series could normalize the consumption of banned products among young audiences. India’s 2019 ban on e-cigarettes prohibits the sale, manufacture, and advertisement of electronic nicotine delivery systems. Additionally, broadcasting regulations mandate explicit health warnings whenever tobacco or similar products are shown on screen.
The complaint, lodged this week, urges authorities to investigate whether the scene violates the Prohibition of E-Cigarettes Act, 2019, and relevant guidelines set by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. “Content that glamorizes banned substances can have a detrimental impact on youth and public health,” the NHRC statement read.
Representatives of Netflix and the production team have not yet issued an official response. The series, which premiered recently, has already sparked debate on social media regarding the responsibility of streaming platforms in adhering to Indian laws. Critics argue that such depictions may inadvertently encourage vaping among teenagers, while supporters contend that fiction should not be overly censored.
This is not the first time the NHRC has taken action concerning media content and public health. The commission has previously addressed issues related to smoking and substance portrayal in films, highlighting the need for strict enforcement of legal warnings and age-appropriate content.
Industry experts note that India’s regulatory framework for online streaming content is still evolving, with increasing scrutiny on platforms for adherence to health, safety, and moral guidelines. The outcome of the NHRC complaint could set a precedent for future cases involving digital content and banned substances.
As the investigation proceeds, viewers and content creators are closely watching how Indian authorities balance creative freedom with public health responsibilities. The case underscores ongoing tensions between entertainment, regulation, and the protection of vulnerable audiences in the country’s rapidly growing digital media landscape.
