New Delhi: As many as 34 top Bollywood producers and four film industry associations Monday filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court, seeking to restrain television channels from making “irresponsible, derogatory and defamatory remarks” against the Hindi film industry.
The suit has been filed against Republic TV’s Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami and journalist Pradeep Bhandari of the channel, and Times Now’s Editor-in-Chief Rahul Shivshankar and its prominent anchor Navika Kumar as respondents.
The production companies include those run by Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar and Ajay Devgn.
They have been assailed for conducting media trials of Bollywood personalities and interfering with the right to privacy of persons associated with the film industry, in the wake of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death and the subsequent arrest of his girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty.
“The livelihood of persons associated with Bollywood is being severely impacted by the smear campaign being run by the defendants. This is in addition to the ongoing pandemic which has resulted in extreme revenues and work opportunity loss,” reads the suit filed by the law firm DSK Legal.
“The privacy of the members of Bollywood is being invaded, and their reputations are being irreparably damaged by painting the entire Bollywood as criminals, seeped in drug culture, and making being part of Bollywood as synonymous with criminal acts in the public imagination.”
Also read: How did leaked Bollywood ‘drug chats’ affect WhatsApp? Its downloads saw 25,000/day jump
News channels use objectionable expressions
The Bollywood producers have clarified that they are not seeking a blanket ban on coverage related to the investigation in the Rajput case. They have sought permanent injunction against the respondents “from carrying on reportage and publication of material that violates applicable laws”.
Objections have also been made over the nature of reporting, and publishing details of what the producers described as “parallel private investigations”.
The lawsuit claimed that the respondents were acting as “courts” to condemn people connected with Bollywood as guilty, based on what they claimed was “evidence” found by them. In doing so, the suit further said, the respondents were trying to make a mockery of the criminal justice system.
The producers have also marked their protest against the use of objectionable expressions and phrases in reports shown on the two news channels when they had claimed that a drug cartel operates in the film industry.
Some of the phrases to which the petitioners have taken exception to are “dirt”, “filth”, “scum” and “druggies”. Similarly, expressions such as “it is Bollywood where the dirt needs to be cleaned”, “all the perfumes of Arabia cannot take away the stench and the stink of this filth and scum of the underbelly of Bollywood”, “this is the dirtiest industry in the country”, and “cocaine and LSD drenched Bollywood” have been highlighted as objectionable.
According to the lawsuit, the news channels have been “openly flouting” the Programme Code framed under Section 5 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 contained in Rule 6 of the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.
Also read: Don’t look at everyone in Bollywood industry with same lens, says actor Akshay Kumar
What is this crap called bollywood. A cauldron of false propositions, churned by the viliest of the imaginations of some pseudo secular psycopaths, packaged in a hollow chest wood box that holds ghost promises for the gullible common mans imaginations. My dear bollywood stars please note that your biryanis and chicken wings are sponsored by the the farmer and rickshaw puller who goes hingry one day to pay for sering your idiosyncracies on the screen. If you can depict all unreasonable emotions, pseudo secularism(sic), untrue emotions and nauseating climaxes, why shouldnt Arnab allowed to depict the what is wring with your industry which you proudly portray for reasons best known to you. The nation doest go poorer if a bunch of filmstars stop working but a nation definitely will go hungry if farmers stop producing.
Hail Arnab and to hell with these tinsel town goons
Nature’s message to mankind in 2020 is to get yourself raise above deep acts of greediness , sex , corruption and damaging environment. They did not hear this inspite of repeated warnings so now everything is getting cleaned up including Bollywood.
If these producers and actors were serious about image of Bollywood , they would have acknowledged the problem and assured to clean the dirt instead of going to court.
68.8% of India’s population falls below poverty line and more than 50% are below 25years of age. Do hell with the bollywood and it’s drug addicts. Bollywood production houses, big stars and their close family and friends consume so much of India’s revenue and live a lavish lifestyle. If we can make them, we can break them as well, so they know their industry is optional and people escaping poverty is far far more important and mandatory.
If comman people like us stay out like salaman after hit and run case and hunting the deear(impala)
बॉलीवुड ने इस देश को क्या दिया , मात्र फिल्में देखें जो सेक्स, वॉयलेंस, ड्रग्स, अल्कोहल, धूम्रपान से भरी हुई हैं, समाज के सभी लड़कों और लड़कियों के माता-पिता आदि। यह सब उनके उपभोग को अपराध, बलात्कार, हत्या के लिए प्रेरित करता है। बॉलीवुड पर समाज को आकार देने की बड़ी जिम्मेदारी है। ओर बॉलीवुड केवल नसे का व्यापार करता है।
Indian conscience has been completely destroyed by Bollywood. It is Bollywood which is spreading dirt throughout the Indian Young.
(Of course there is exceptions in any aspect)
Why should we respect an actor more than a farmer?
Is an actor’s contribution much more than a farmer or a rickshaw puller?
Why are we letting them snatch billions of money and live luxurious life while the entire country is dying in poverty,joblessness?
Why should we give much attention to actors? For their show off nature?
They don’t deserve being ideal of youngsters….s they have no contribution to Indian Society except entertainment.
It is high time we gave importance to essentials rather than entertainments as it is optional.
True.. very true…
Wow! What a great thinking.
If everyone thinks like you, then our India will definitely progress .
Hats off to you! Keep it up ?
So very true
Not an Arnab fan but the people who have filed the case should come out in public and also talk about casting couch and drug abuse in bollywood. Only coz of Aranb the drug angle came out so badly in the public view. Mind it some of these people might be Padma awardees
This is direct attack on freedom of speech . Seculars and so called liberals have the philosophy that everything should run as per their dictate and no-one has the right to open their misdeeds.
India needs a Dictator right now.
Believe me A great dictator is far better than so called democracy.
Most of the media are real enemies of our country. They want to destroy the social fabric of the country. They want to take our country to stone age era. So Honourable SC should mend their madness and should take steps for their mental treatment.
Problem people like you is you need gossip to talk. You guys close eyes and pretend that everything is part of life. Drugs, violence, sex are not part of any society which can be acceptable. Problem with Bollywood people is they think they represent Indian values and traditions.
If you have a problem with media then why do you read newspaper and why you here to comment.
Let’s them go to court there are no special privileges for them in the constitution, freedom of speech and expression is same for all of citizens of India.They are not super human in courtroom which they have pretended in their flim.But the irony is free media is more important for the court in the run of democracy than those hypocrite.
LetsL come decision let them know the reality.
Truth is bitter, Nobody raised their voics against unethical nepotism and crimes such as drug dealings, drug parties, killings, molesting and child trafficking etc. etc. etc. in the system which lead to such a pathetic situation. So its very disheartening to see how they try to stop, submerge or suppress a major voice of oppressed people at this crucial point.
a Bollywood star kah jateyha jab kargi, ho yaa Mumbai attacked , flood desh ka hour muskilebakht may kuch nehi bolted. mogar jab money (Bollywood) ki bath atru hey uthkhadi hojaegi. or koi Turkey jatahey to koi pak ka khiladiko IPL may chahtahey .Hadh to tab ho hau Jo democracy Thisery ankhe(Media) per ungli utharahey. same this industry
Bollywood can go an eff themselves
Screw Bollywood
Where were all these false heroes missing when the sad news of the untimely demise of an actor with talents and shear grits under suspicious condition broke out in Bollywood?These so called holy cows didn’t have gutts and magnanimity of expressing a simple condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased colleague. People of India should boycott the Bollywood movies made and/ acted in by all these hypocrates.
Rahul and navika run a sick and ailing stale news channel TOI,,, Rahul when he speaks seems he has marbles up his throat,, and navika,, no taste is another product of Andwa GU,, Swami,, Toi is a repetitious news channel,,, no mettle,, anchors like barkha dutt and Faye need to give them some lessons in journalism
As a viewer I will say to watch movies just for entertainment. Films are just products. Everyone needs to understand that these Producers are business man just like any other business man. So they will do whatever to save their business. What Arnab is doing an is not journalism, he should become a true journalist rather showing bakwas news. SSR died, CBI is doing their job, and they should cover this story but there are so many things happening in the country and he is debating on SSR just to make his news channel famous. He has got nothing for common man. He does not cover stories on crime, politics, government schemes, government policies, tax, jobs, career, technology, education.
“all the perfumes of Arabia cannot take away the stench and the stink of this filth and scum of the underbelly of republic TV and Arnab ”
This person called Arnab is an insult to media , a threat to democracy and an affront to the truthhdnd justice.
To what level you can stoop Arnab ? You worship lies and hatred srndbyiu are ready to do anything for TRP. Remember TRP doesn’t stand for ” third rate propaganda ” …it stands for ” truth, reason and public accountability “
So watch sardesai and his crap. First read and understand what is journalism. Sitting in comforts of your house does not solve real issues. The drug cartel of Bollywood would not have been exposed had it not been for republic.
Infamous notoriety of film industries did exist since long where renowned secret mafia groups played hidden roles to make it run like red light areas in a dignified way. The illicit nexus of mafias providing dirty funds to film industry is an open secret. Heros & Heroines hardly bother to please the hidden Bosses of film industry with intent to make a permanent room against gratification. All these vices are very active since long and players find zero values to challenge the infamous activities in the film industries. #MeToo is a common disease of film industry.
Electronic Medias Channels enjoy a privileged position because they deliver better audio visual display that quickly lets people get engrossed than print medias. Moreover, investigative angles are natural phenomena for any media to unearth the truth behind any facts happening in film industries for public notice. Is there anything wrong ? Present films do really worthy enough to enhance the cinematic experience and values excepting vulgarity that attracts flow of fund other than creative film making. There were many good films, excellent Film Directors, Excellent Script Writers, Excellent Composers and lot many standalone supports system but everything is now misdirected under pressure of vices induced by mafia groups actively engaged to defame film industries. Why does Media leg pull the film industries unless the business needs a directional change to right path for the interest of industry and its viewers?
Infamous notoriety of film industries did exist since long where renowned secret mafia groups played hidden roles to make it run like red light areas in a dignified way. The illicit nexus of mafias providing dirty funds to film industry is an open secret. Heros & Heroines hardly bother to please the hidden Bosses of film industry with intent to make a permanent room against gratification. All these vices are very active since long and players find zero values to challenge the infamous activities in the film industries. #MeToo is a common disease of film industry.
Electronic Medias Channels enjoy a privileged position because they deliver better audio visual display that quickly lets people get engrossed than print medias. Moreover, investigative angles are natural phenomena for any media to unearth the truth behind any facts happening in film industries for public notice. Is there anything wrong ? Present films do really worthy enough to enhance the cinematic experience and values excepting vulgarity that attracts flow of fund other than creative film making. There were many good films, excellent Film Directors, Excellent Script Writers, Excellent Composers and lot many standalone supports system but everything is now misdirected under pressure of vices induced by mafia groups actively engaged to defame film industries. Why does Media leg pull the film industries unless the business needs a directional change to right path for the interest of industry and its viewers?
All channels including N,D tv,aaj tak,India tv are also congi& communist paid channels.Even hindi film industry also behave wrongly in drugs,Dubai underworld connections,showing nudity,vulgarisiom&violence without real stories like past.All are hellish people including paid channels
Dear sir, I have realised that you are an extremely stupid Sanghi by the comment you have posted. I was about to retaliate but I forgot that some people believe in certain ideas blindly. Forgive me for even thinking about debating with you online.
P.S What the hell is a “Congo”?
Ajay Devgan’s production house is also there. Why don’t you put his production house name?
“Today whatever Bollywood is only because of our Public Money & true media support. Now this two supporters have started showing their real fake faces, they are running towards court to hide their falsehood.”
In earlier times, governments were all-powerful and it was the 4th estate’s responsibility to keep the government ton its toes.
As capitalism gained ground, private entities started becoming powerful. Government was no longer the sole powerful entity. Some large corporates became as powerful as the government. Some industries became powerful too. Ditto with some political parties, whether they were in power or not. To sum it up, in addition to the government, several private entities became powerful. Unfortunately, with great power came great irresponsibility, corruption and you know what all.
The 4th estate continued to be a part of the inner circle of such entities. They failed to discharge the duty of the 4th estate – to keep powerful entities on their toes by asking difficult questions. People were disillusioned.
Some in the 4th estate were troubled by this. Their conscience did not allow this. Also, they sensed a good business opportunity in this – to question all powerful entities and not necessarily the government. Welcome Arnab and Navika. Unfortunately, their presentation was not good. They did not wear suits, they were rude, used Hindi in English presentations. Most importantly, they did not listen to these powerful entities who wanted them to not report some news. These powerful entities then started filing cases.
Some people could only see the rudeness in the reporting, and not the power game happening behind the curtains. They still believe the government is the only powerful entity and the 4th estate must only ask uncomfortable questions to the government.
These Bollywood production houses are terrified so they have filed a case against the great journalist Arnab goswami…. Truth will prevail and jokers of Bollywood will be defeated… Satyamev Jayate…
Isi planet se ho? Alien to nahi ho na?
These Bollywood production houses are terrified so they have filed a case against the great journalist Arnab goswami…. Truth will prevail and jokers of Bollywood will be defeated…
Banned all this production houses……
Arnab is doing right thing…All bollywood stars only for their publicity not for anything..
Salman Khan, Amir Khan, Sahrukh Khan, Karan Johar…..my bathroom slippers are worth more than your entire lot……these are maggots surviving off an industry whose sole business is entertainment and nothing more. They must do well to remember that
Where does arnab lost his ‘mahim’ it is the Maharashtra High Court releiving rhea from the custody, all those month’s republics tactics to implicate rhea under judicial act/session 302 has gone in vain, and as days passed rhea’s t-shirt sayings acclaimed popularity among many, besides other news channels covering hathras rape victim got breaking news in all other channels,in the meantime Republic TV got the blunttings, poor arnab.. Kudos to him.
Look who’s (Bollywood Biggies) talking! LOL! NOW that the mask has been uncovered, they are seeking another veil..too late. The public won’t buy this new drama
People asking to ban a channel are same ones hurting someone else faith and emotions under the banner freedom of speech and expression. Reap what you sow.
Arnab et al thought Uddhav Thackeray will be a pushover !
As far as i see, this is just another fight between good and evil. What is good for whom, and what is bad for whom, depends on which side you are on. Let’s agree that the Bollywood fraternity is rich and corrupt and all the other objectionable phrases that are attached with it. What about our Indian Media? Are they doing their jobs, the way it’s supposed to be done? I think our Indian media lack credibility. They only focus and cover what they want to, ignoring other important news that should be broadcasted. These are the gov. friendly medias. They get their share of the pie too.
Jai ho arnab bhai
Bollywood is the dirtiest place
This is not a tiff between journalists vs Bollywood. This is a fight between journalist(selected) and Bollywood companies with supportive hand of some affected state governments. Majority of channels do not say anything against the state government including no criticism for song like ‘chicken’s in bajrangi bhaijan where Hanuman ji is worshiped.
Bilkul sahi hua aur calculations ke hisaab se dono channels ko ban hona chahiye…
Urban ji hum aap ke saath hai puri duniya aapke saath hai aage badho jeet hameshaa sacchai ki hogi
Urban ji hum aap ke saath hai puri duniya aapke saath hai aage bdho jeet hameshaa sacchai ki hogi
Where is Freedom of speech? Right to Expression? That too from movie makers who day-in and day-out show about other people’s life. Just adding disclaimer not enough. The fake good name built over years is coming crumbling down Huh?
I have read most of the comments and do feel that the biggest issue remains to be solved,I am not an Indian resident but have very actively followed SS case and as an outsider I am not being bias the truth has to come out a human life is taken away and all those involved are super rich people,their interest is their status so they will try to defend it,they have no other option available hence the action,pick these guys individually ask you self was Sharukh Khan not involved,was Salman not in picture,let alone slanders portrayed,you call democracy you are going against the democracy,yes we all have rights of our opinion but my request would be balance the argument and read inbetween the line.
The reel life Heroes must realise that they are actually real life Zeroes, who have amassed publicity and money through crooked ways. They must first answer why have they have always portrayed
roles of under world kingpins, drug peddlers, psychopath killers, criminals etc to justify their deeds and glorify them. Why have they portrayed Police , Lawyers, Politician, Teachers , business man and every profession as fools, incompitant and villains. Why didn’t they not think twice before such acts.
It was easy for them to give a disclaimer that what is shown has nothing to do with facts, and show all distorted version of History, Social and Cultural ethics.
Now when their profession is painted villioneous they are feeling bad… life is a boomerang, what goes around…comes around. Today when the muck is getting seperated, they can accept
the facts and stay on the good side of bollywood., But will not… For they were always on the bad side.
Hindi film industry is an illusion which people are blindly following . Atleast there are few who have guts to stand against wrong Now two known people have lost their lives to which a fair trial was demanded and many aspects came infront because of these channels . If few production houses are together filing defamation against these news channels that means they were affected not because of employement they generate but because of there true colors were shown to people who treat them as gods.
The Bollywood of to day is not the Bollywood of half a century ago when some remarkable films were made. It is impossible to single out a single actor/actress today who can be a role model to the country’s youth. The industry is simply interested in making only money, though, some exceptions could be there, where the themes of films highlighted important social messages. Instead of inspiring the Indian youth, the focus has been to present films far removed from the realities of life. The outcome is a self created scenario, where the media took on important issues and focused on them to stir the conscience of the nation against inhuman acts, where money and power seemed, at any cost, triggered by insatiable greed seemed to rule the day. It is also important to observe that with the exception of just one or two actors,, the entire Bollywood took to “shocking silence” on a tragedy that shook the conscience of the nation. It speaks volumes to what low depths this segment can sink. It is also important to note that but for the valiant efforts of some media men and women this tragic tragedy would have been buried long ago. Don’t you think?