Yearender 2022: Top 10 newsmakers from Bollywood, in the buff, in the wrong bikini and against boycott calls
As 2022 draws to a close, here’s a list of the top 10 celebrities who made headlines and the world, internet and social media included, went berserk after them.
Bollywood buffs know 2022 was a disaster for the Hindi film industry, especially at the box office. Unfortunately, nearly each film release was followed by a call for boycotting it.
But it was not only the boycott or cancel culture that resulted in a miserly year for Bollywood. Several A-listers drew controversy through their personal and professional choices that were counterproductive and became the talk of almost every household. And who doesn’t love controversy and that too about cinema?
As 2022 draws to a close, here’s a list of the top 10 celebrities who made headlines and the world, internet and social media included, went berserk after them.
Ranveer Singh
The antics of the Bollywood actor turned into a national issue when he posed naked on a carpet for PAPER Magazine and paid tribute to iconic US actor Burt Reynolds. Singh, who is known for his freakish sense of fashion, was soon slapped with police complaints and FIRs.
The internet-breaking photoshoot, on one hand, garnered plaudits for Deepika Padukone for her approving her husband’s bold move, on the other hand, it was deemed objectionable by the conservative.
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A section of social media called for a ban on Ranveer Singh for tarnishing Indian culture and promoting vulgarity. He was summoned by the Mumbai Police as part of their investigation into the nudity and obscenity case filed against him. Women’s rights activist Vedika Chaube lodged a complaint of obscenity and an NGO run by Shyam Mangaram Foundation filed a complaint on behalf of concerned parents who thought Singh could influence the country’s youth. She was on a live TV debate saying, “We can see his bum.”
Singh was booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 292, 293, 509 and the IT Act, pertaining to the sale of obscene books, objects to young people, words, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman and other related charges based on the plea by the NGO and Chaube.
Uorfi Javed
The social media sensation, who got Ranveer Singh’s pat and was tagged as the fashion icon on national television, became Uorfi Javed by ‘accident’. Known for her sometimes bizarre and mostly bold fashion choices, the self-made TV actor is a household name now. From creating an outfit with just two mobile phones and cables to making an entire outfit using bandages, Javed has done it all.
But along with overnight fame came trolls and multiple FIRs against her for committing illegal and obscene acts on social media and even in public.
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Uorfi Javed also had a bout of words with pulp author Chetan Bhagat, who, at a literature fest, blamed her for distracting boys. Despite all this, the social media star ended up working with Netflix India and appeared in Netflix Playback 2022 in style.
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Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt
Media outlets and internet users went bananas over this Bollywood couple. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt received love for their minimalistic wedding that took place on Kapoor’s balcony.
In the presence of close family members and friends, their ceremony was one of the most aesthetic weddings of the year. Dressed in an off-white Sabyasachi saree and minimal makeup, Bhatt carved a niche as the chic-est bride and Ranbir looked ethereal in an ivory sherwani. From beauty influencers recreating their wedding looks to stores selling their wedding-inspired bridal sets, Alia-Ranbir marriage touched nearly everyone’s lives.
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Apart from their wedding, their film Brahmastra made all kinds of headlines. Ayan Mukerji’s directorial marked their first film together and became a blockbuster. The ‘storiyan’ in Kesariya may be elaichi in your Biryani, but it became one of the most streamed Hindi songs of the year.
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Prior to the film’s release, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor announced their pregnancy, which also became chai-time gossip. From their wedding to film release to the baby’s birth, they were one Bollywood couple who never left the spotlight in 2022.
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Vivek Agnihotri
The Bollywood filmmaker was applauded in the country for his film, The Kashmir Files. Starring Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, and others in prominent roles, the film is based on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley in the early 1990s.
On several occasions, The Kashmir Files and Vivek Agnihotri were the topic of discussion. Though the film triggered communal debates on social media, it became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2022 and Vivek Agnihotri, who earlier directed films like front-bencher favourite Hate Story and Zid, became one of the most-talked-about filmmakers.
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Agnihotri was also the infamous toast at the International Film Festival of India 2022 in Goa. Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid, the head of the jury, called The Kashmir Files propaganda and a vulgar film which should not have been screened at such a prestigious film festival.
From getting Y-category security to receiving plaudits from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vivek Agnihotri’s stock rose like the Phoenix in 2022.
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Leena Manimekalai
The Canada-based filmmaker sparked a row after she shared the poster of her documentary Kaali. The poster showed a woman dressed as Goddess Kaali smoking a cigarette, holding a trident in one hand and the LGBTQ flag in the other.
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The Indian High Commission in Canada pushed the Toronto-based Aga Khan Museum to withdraw the “disrespectful depiction of Hindu Gods.” An FIR was filed against the filmmaker by the Delhi Police’s IFSO unit and she was booked under Sections 153A, and 295A and several other cases were filed in Uttar Pradesh.
And how can Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra not condemn someone who attempts to hurt Hindu sentiments? Mishra announced he would impose a ban on the film Kaali as it is an insult to Goddess Kaali.
Enraged social media users accused Leena Manimekalai of hurting religious sentiments and demanded her arrest.
Manimekalai reacted to the police complaints and trolling and said she would always amplify the voices of those who speak without fear. She also clarified and said the film’s storyline revolves around a day when Goddess Kaali roams the streets of Toronto.
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Akshay Kumar
2022 was not merry for the ‘Khiladi’ as he gave back-to-back flop films. From Samrat Prithviraj to Ram Setu, the actor’s films were in the news but for their monotonous script and poor direction.
Apart from his films, the actor made headlines after he was featured in a Vimal Pan Masala ad along with Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan. Kumar, who had earlier advocated against smoking and drinking, irked his fans by promoting gutka which is frowned upon in the country.
Following the backlash on social media, he decided to withdraw his contract with Vimal and donate the payment received for the advertisement for a social cause.
Mahaan Desh Bhakt Star #AkshayKumar said this few years ago when asked about Stars doing Gutka , Pan masala Ad .. Today the same man has joined #Vimal Universe pic.twitter.com/Tf0QRPcG0a
Among his five releases this year were Samrat Prithviraj, Cuttputlli, Bachchhan Paandey, Raksha Bandhan, and Ram Setu. All these landed in trouble and failed at the box office except for Cuttputlli which marked Kumar’s OTT debut. While Samrat Prithviraj received backlash over its title, Ram Setu was criticised for falsely portraying the Ram Setu issue.
The suit for compensation has been finalised by my associate Satya Sabharwal Adv. I am suing Akshay Kumar, actor & Karma Media for damages cause by falsification in portrayal of the Ram Setu issue in their film for release.
The one Bollywood star who took everyone by surprise this year was Sushmita Sen. The former Miss Universe and her relationship with Lalit Modi gave internet junkies a perfect chance to gossip. Memes rained on social media after the IPL founder changed his Instagram bio and shared photos with the actor.
Just back in london after a whirling global tour #maldives # sardinia with the families – not to mention my #better looking partner @sushmitasen47 – a new beginning a new life finally. Over the moon. 🥰😘😍😍🥰💕💞💖💘💓. In love does not mean marriage YET. BUT ONE THAT For sure pic.twitter.com/WL8Hab3P6V
Their relationship was also scrutinised because Sen broke up with her longtime, and younger, boyfriend Rohman Shawl in December 2021. And a section of social media users tagged Sen a gold digger. Typical!
Trolls didn’t stop and Sen spoke up for herself with a befitting reply to shush people who called her a gold digger with a beautiful Instagram post.
Well, it’s nothing new folks. Bollywood is synonymous with gossip that too of relationships and affairs.
Aamir Khan
The Bollywood actor returned to the silver screen after four years with Laal Singh Chaddha, co-starring Kareena Kapoor Khan. The Hindi remake of the Oscar-winning Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, irked cinema lovers who questioned the makers’ audacity to ruin such an iconic film.
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With a call for a boycott of the film, an old video of Kareena Kapoor’s ‘arrogancy’ during an interview taken a decade ago went viral again that added fuel to the boycott calls.
A Delhi lawyer filed a complaint against Aamir Khan, Paramount Pictures, and several others to the Delhi Police commissioner for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments and disrespecting the Indian Army. The complainant alleged that there was objectionable content in the film and sought registration of an FIR under Sections 153, 153A, 298 and 505 of the IPC against Khan, director Advait Chandan and Paramount Pictures.
But this was just the tip of the iceberg. Laal Singh Chaddha failed at the box office. It took the makers more than 10 years to make the film and it turned out to be a disaster. The film’s music was appreciated.
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Nora Fatehi
The Moroccan actor-dancer is shining in Bollywood. Nora Fatehi’s nationality may not be Indian but she held the tricolour with the utmost pride at the FIFA World Cup 2022. She joined the ranks of Shakira and Jennifer Lopez and became the first Bollywood star to perform and represent India and South East Asia on the FIFA World Stage.
Besides, the actor-dancer also made headlines as she judged the popular dance reality show on TV, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10. It was quite a moment for Fatehi’s fans as she was once a contestant on the show.
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Deepika Padukone
This year, Deepika Padukone’s schedule was jam-packed with Cannes, collaborations with luxury brands, launching her skin brand, and rooting for the release of Pathaan.
The global star became a vision for millions of her fans as she walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival 2022. She became one of the few Indian actors to be part of the festival jury. She attended panel discussions, after-parties, and a lot more.
And when it came to serving looks, she definitely didn’t disappoint her fans. One of her looks at Cannes also triggered some hullabaloo and meme fests on social media.
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Following her successful stint at Festival De Cannes, she was announced as the global ambassador for Louis Vuitton and the ambassador for Cartier. Padukone’s association with these two luxury brands undoubtedly added a feather to her sexy cap.
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In November 2022, Padukone started her journey as an entrepreneur and launched a skincare and wellness brand, 82°E with just two products. While the brand received flak over its pricing, yes pretty expensive, Padukone made it clear that she wants to cater to an elite clients and make her brand luxe.
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Cut to December 2022, the actor grabbed the world by its eyeballs with her steamy appearance in the Pathaan song, Besharam Rang. Her orange bikini, which looked like saffron for some people, in the song became a national issue.
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From outfits to hook steps, the song is under scrutiny for many reasons. Several police complaints were filed against both Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan for the choice of outfits’ colours and dance steps in Besharam Rang. Following the backlash, the Central Board of Film Certification advised the makers to make changes to the film, including songs.
Prasoon Joshi, Chairperson, CBFC, said, “Just to put all queries around the film Pathaan at rest, the film recently reached the CBFC examination committee for certification. The film went through the due examining process as per the CBFC guidelines. The committee has guided the makers to implement the advised changes in the film including the songs and submit the revised version prior to theatrical release.”
In the backdrop of the Besharam Rang row, Padukone made India proud as she became the first Bollywood star to unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy at Qatar 2022. Styled by Louis Vuitton, she carried grace at the international event and hit headlines like never before. Yes, she was covered head to foot.
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The hopes from Pathaan are many but we will need to wait for 2023 to find out how many cuts and snips it will take before its release!
The Hindi-dubbed version of Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, has achieved an unprecedented milestone by crossing the Rs 700 crore mark at the Indian box office from its Hindi-language shows alone. Directed by Sukumar, the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise has so far amassed Rs 704.25 crore in Hindi, setting a new record for Indian cinema.
The makers celebrated the achievement on social media, writing: “Pushpa Raj introduces the 700 CRORE CLUB to HINDI CINEMA 💥💥 The FIRST EVER FILM to collect 700 CRORES in HINDI ✨ #Pushpa2TheRule collects massive 704.25 CRORES NETT in Hindi ❤🔥❤🔥,” in a post shared on X.
Pushpa Raj introduces the 700 CRORE CLUB to HINDI CINEMA 💥💥
The FIRST EVER FILM to collect 700 CRORES in HINDI ✨#Pushpa2TheRule collects massive 704.25 CRORES NETT in Hindi ❤🔥❤🔥
This milestone places Pushpa 2 in elite company, surpassing the previous records set by Hindi-dubbed and original Hindi films. A.R. Murugadoss’ Ghajini (2008) introduced the Rs 100 crore club, while Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots (2010) and PK (2014) raised the bar with Rs 200 crore and Rs 300 crore collections, respectively. S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion broke further records, entering the Rs 400-crore and Rs 500-crore clubs. Earlier this year, Stree 2 became the first Hindi film to surpass Rs 600 crore domestically.
Box office performance
Pushpa 2 began its theatrical run with a staggering Rs 725.8 crore nett across all languages during its opening week. In its second week, it added Rs 264.8 crore, maintaining strong momentum. The third weekend saw collections of Rs 14.3 crore on Friday, Rs 24.75 crore on Saturday, and a massive Rs 33.25 crore on Sunday. With an additional Rs 13 crore on Monday, the domestic tally now stands at an astonishing Rs 1,075.6 crore nett.
The Hindi version alone contributed Rs 704.25 crore, while the Telugu version added Rs 309.7 crore. Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam versions brought in Rs 54.3 crore, Rs 7.4 crore, and Rs 14.05 crore, respectively.
The plot and cast
Picking up where Pushpa: The Rise left off, the sequel follows Pushpa Raj, played by Allu Arjun, as he expands his red sandalwood smuggling empire. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, and Rao Ramesh in pivotal roles.
With its extraordinary box office success, Pushpa 2: The Rule has not only cemented its place in Indian cinematic history but has also set new benchmarks for future films to aspire to.
Love and War: Orry to make debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film; Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal star cast
For now, fans can only speculate on how this film will marry historical narratives with Bhansali’s signature storytelling style, a journey that is sure to resonate with audiences around the globe.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film, Love and War, is already making waves in the film industry, boasting a stellar cast and a captivating storyline. The latest addition to this ensemble is the social media phenomenon Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry. Making his cinematic debut, Orry has amassed a substantial online following and is set to take on a pivotal role in Love and War.
The film unfolds against a backdrop of tumultuous historical events, featuring a talented cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. With Bhansali’s renowned flair for visual opulence and emotional resonance, Love and War is poised to be a cinematic spectacle.
Notably, Deepika Padukone will return for a special cameo, though details about her character remain under wraps for now. She has previously collaborated with Bhansali in iconic films like Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat.
Sources close to the film reveal that Orry’s character represents a significant shift from his known social media persona; he will portray a homosexual character who serves as the best friend of Alia Bhatt’s character. Alia will embody a cabaret dancer, infusing her role with depth and emotional complexity during this chaotic historical period.
Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal are set to portray officers in the Indian Armed Forces, further enriching the film’s war-torn narrative. Bhansali’s works are celebrated for their nuanced characters and intricate relationships, and Love and War seems ready to embrace that tradition. The film will explore themes of love, sacrifice, and identity within the context of historical strife, hinting at a storyline that intertwines personal tales with broader events.
While the specifics about Deepika Padukone’s character remain a mystery, her collaboration with Bhansali has already heightened expectations. Their past partnerships have yielded some of Bollywood’s iconic performances, and fans are eager to see what role she will take on in this ambitious project. Although the plot details remain mostly undisclosed, the film promises to weave together historical drama and intimate narratives, touching on romance, friendship, and national duty while providing a fresh perspective on familiar themes.
With excitement building, fans of both the cast and Bhansali’s prior films are eagerly awaiting the film’s release. If Love and War fulfills its potential, it may become one of 2026’s most talked-about films. As production continues, further insights into the plot, character dynamics, and additional cast members are expected to emerge.
For now, fans can only speculate on how this film will marry historical narratives with Bhansali’s signature storytelling style, a journey that is sure to resonate with audiences around the globe.
Shyam Benegal, the legendary filmmaker who revolutionized Indian cinema, has died at the age of 90. Known for his trailblazing contributions to parallel cinema, Benegal’s death marks the end of an era that redefined Indian filmmaking. His legacy, built on realism, social commentary, and a break from conventional narratives, continues to inspire filmmakers today. As the nation mourns the loss of a visionary, his remarkable body of work remains an integral part of India’s cinematic history.
In 1976, Indian cinema witnessed a turning point when Shyam Benegal, a trailblazing director, made his debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. At a time when Cannes was still firmly grounded in the world of cinema, not yet a fashion-driven spectacle, Benegal’s film Nishant was featured in competition. It was a groundbreaking moment for both the director and Indian cinema as a whole, marking India’s arrival on the global film stage.
Benegal, at the age of 42, had already made a lasting impact with his previous film Ankur, which subtly introduced the nation to a new wave of filmmaking. Nishant, like Ankur, showcased a unique narrative style that was rooted in realism, tackling socio-political issues with a raw sensitivity that resonated with audiences. But it was the film’s Cannes screening that truly marked a turning point for Indian cinema.
The 1976 Cannes Festival was different from the glitzy, fashion-focused events we see today. It was a celebration of cinema in its purest form. However, Benegal’s presence was far from typical. Along with Nishant, the director brought along his two lead actresses, Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi, to the French Riviera. Although the film was accompanied by posters from the National Film Development Corporation (NDFC), a mix-up meant that the posters never made it to the festival, but the trio of Indians did.
Shabana Azmi later shared how they made an unforgettable impression at Cannes. “In a place where we had no money and everybody was throwing lavish parties, Shyam came up with this unique idea. He said, ‘I want both of you [Azmi and Patil] to wear your finest South Indian saris and walk the promenade from eight in the morning,'” Azmi recalled. While everyone else was dressed in beachwear, the two actresses, in their traditional silk saris, paraded the streets of Cannes. They became living advertisements for their film, greeting passersby and inviting them to the screening. This unconventional tactic helped them attract an audience in the absence of a big promotional budget.
The story of Nishant at Cannes is as much about the film as it is about the personalities behind it. Benegal, known for his modest approach, had a keen understanding of how to present Indian cinema on the world stage. In an era when films were promoted with lavish budgets and star power, Benegal’s approach was simple yet effective. The director was also a seasoned adman who had spent years in the advertising world before venturing into filmmaking. His commercial acumen translated well into his filmmaking, as evidenced by his strategy to promote Nishant at Cannes.
Benegal’s cinematic journey started with Ankur in 1973, a film that introduced a new era in Indian cinema. Following Nishant, he directed other masterpieces such as Manthan (1976) and Bhumika (1977). Together, these films laid the foundation for what became known as “New Cinema” in India, a movement that sought to tell more socially conscious, realistic stories, often drawing attention to issues of class, caste, and gender. Through his films, Benegal introduced a new generation of actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Om Puri, and Neena Gupta, many of whom became icons of Indian cinema.
Benegal’s approach to filmmaking was notably collaborative. He ran a tight-knit ship where everyone, from the actors to the crew, contributed in whatever capacity they could. The actors, many of whom were at the beginning of their careers, often worked for little to no money, driven by their desire to be part of a revolution in Indian cinema.
In Nishant, Benegal pitted Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil against each other, creating a compelling dynamic that made the film stand out. While Azmi’s character received more screen time, Patil, who was making her feature film debut, played an equally significant role. The film, which was set against the backdrop of rural India, focused on social issues and gender dynamics, and it became known for its powerful female leads.
Nishant was nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Benegal’s participation in the Cannes Film Festival in 1976 proved to be a turning point for Indian cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers today.
With films that were ahead of their time and an unwavering commitment to realism, Shyam Benegal ushered in a new era for Indian cinema. He not only changed the way stories were told but also made sure that India’s voice was heard loud and clear on the world stage. Nishant at Cannes marked the dawn of a new era — an era where Indian films, for the first time, garnered the international attention they truly deserved.
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