When it comes to Bollywood, the glitz and glamour often overshadow the controversies that lurk behind the scenes. From secret affairs to legal battles, the Hindi film industry has seen its fair share of scandals over the years.
Explore some of the most controversial Bollywood scandals that shocked the nation.
#1 The Love Triangle: Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Vivek Oberoi
One of the most talked-about scandals in Bollywood was the love triangle involving Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Vivek Oberoi. The affair between Salman and Aishwarya was well-known, but things took a turn when Aishwarya accused Salman of physical abuse. Vivek Oberoi, who was dating Aishwarya at the time, held a press conference to reveal the details of the abuse, causing a major uproar in the industry.
#2 The Blackbuck Poaching Case: Salman Khan
Salman Khan found himself in the midst of controversy once again when he was accused of hunting and killing two blackbucks, an endangered species. The case dragged on for years, with Salman facing multiple court hearings and legal battles. The scandal not only tarnished his image but also divided the Bollywood fraternity, with some supporting him and others condemning his actions.
#3 The Casting Couch: Madhur Bhandarkar and Preeti Jain
The casting couch has long been a dark secret in the film industry, and one scandal that shed light on this issue was the case involving director Madhur Bhandarkar and aspiring actress Preeti Jain. Preeti accused Bhandarkar of sexually exploiting her in exchange for a film role. The scandal brought the issue of casting couch to the forefront and sparked a nationwide debate on the exploitation of aspiring actors.
#4 The Drug Nexus: Sanjay Dutt
Sanjay Dutt’s life has been marred by controversies, and one of the most infamous scandals was his involvement in the drug nexus. The actor was arrested for possession of illegal substances and spent time in jail. The scandal not only affected his career but also highlighted the dark underbelly of drug abuse in the film industry.
#5 The Extra-Marital Affair: Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori
Hrithik Roshan’s fairytale marriage hit a roadblock when rumors of his alleged affair with co-star Barbara Mori started making headlines. The scandal created a frenzy in the media, with fans and critics speculating about the state of his marriage. While Hrithik denied the affair, the scandal took a toll on his personal life and left a lasting impact on his image.
#6 The Tax Evasion Case: Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary actor of Bollywood, found himself in hot water when he was accused of evading taxes. The scandal shook the industry, as Bachchan was considered a role model by many. The case dragged on for years before Bachchan was cleared of all charges, but the controversy left a stain on his otherwise illustrious career.
#7 The MMS Scandal: Kareena Kapoor
Kareena Kapoor, one of the leading actresses of Bollywood, faced a major scandal when an MMS clip allegedly featuring her went viral. The scandal created a frenzy among fans and the media, with everyone speculating about the authenticity of the video. While Kareena vehemently denied being a part of the clip, the scandal had a lasting impact on her personal and professional life.
#8 The Plagiarism Controversy: Anu Malik
Music composer Anu Malik found himself in the midst of a plagiarism controversy when multiple singers accused him of stealing their compositions. The scandal not only tarnished Malik’s reputation but also raised questions about the authenticity of Bollywood music. The industry was forced to introspect and take measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
#9 The Hit-and-Run Case: Salman Khan
Salman Khan makes another appearance on this list with the hit-and-run case that rocked Bollywood. The actor was accused of driving under the influence and causing a fatal accident. The scandal garnered widespread media attention and divided public opinion. After years of legal battles, Salman was eventually acquitted, but the controversy continues to haunt him.
#10 The IPL Betting Scandal: Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra
Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra found themselves embroiled in a major controversy when they were accused of involvement in illegal betting during the Indian Premier League (IPL). The scandal not only tarnished their image but also raised questions about the integrity of the cricketing world. The couple faced legal consequences and had to fight hard to rebuild their reputation.
