Sameer Wankhede breaks silence on Aryan Khan’s series, calls it ‘an ATTACK on dignity’

Former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede has spoken out strongly against the way law enforcement has been depicted in Aryan Khan’s Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. In a detailed conversation with HT City, Wankhede said his legal action against Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment is not about fame or revenge, but about protecting the dignity of his family and the honour of the officers who risk their lives during anti-drug operations.

The controversy traces back to the 2021 cruise drug raid in Mumbai, where Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan was arrested by Wankhede’s team. Aryan was later cleared in 2022 and went on to direct The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. The show features a character allegedly based on Wankhede, portrayed in a mocking way and even shown disrespecting the national emblem, a detail that pushed the officer to move court.

When asked about the Bombay High Court issuing summons to Netflix and Red Chillies in his defamation case, Wankhede clarified, “It was reported earlier that my petition had been dismissed. I was really upset because that wasn’t true. The court only asked me to file an amendment. Some PR campaign began circulating false news that my case was rejected. But I’ve always had faith in the judiciary. If you’re honest, the court listens. The next hearing is on October 30.”

Responding to those who accuse him of seeking publicity, he said, “People call it satire, but I’m fighting for three things. First, for my family’s honour, especially the women who faced online abuse. Second, for the dignity of law enforcement officers. We shed blood in anti-drug operations; this isn’t something to joke about. And third, for the respect of our national emblem. You can’t mock it or show such gestures. As a citizen, I’ll fight for what’s right.”

Through his words, Wankhede made it clear that his case isn’t about personal ego, but about standing up for respect — something he believes should never be taken lightly.