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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgUQICThYn4/?hl=en
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClF-2j9rx5l/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmlTgFmBmyO/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmYHi0GtB1i/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcVXto2sydQ/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgGngZdA49c/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfS-_HvMhQ8/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmQl1ZPSgCk/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmvNQ1voO1s/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfgmhC9uLU5/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf-LN-olAj9/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CeJcuETpQSv/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfDj4xII6ob/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CivAeHrhRip/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdri7z7qBGr/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdfxxofJ1vU/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd1xQbKqwLi/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CllcdrwpWT4/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmDu2kKuVx8/
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmVlAl8KAmq/
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!
Veteran Malayalam cinema actor, screenwriter and director Sreenivasan died on Saturday morning at the age of 69, marking the end of an era in the state’s film industry. He breathed his last at a government hospital in Tripunithura near Kochi after developing breathing difficulties while travelling for dialysis.
Sreenivasan had been dealing with prolonged health issues and had undergone heart surgery in 2022. According to hospital authorities, he passed away around 8.30 am. His body was later shifted to his residence, and it will be kept at Ernakulam Town Hall for public homage before the last rites are held at his home.
A life rooted in cinema and social satire
Born on April 6, 1956, at Pattiam in Kannur district, Sreenivasan studied economics before moving to Chennai to pursue film studies. He made his acting debut in 1976 and gradually emerged as one of the most influential creative voices in Malayalam cinema.
Over the decades, he became widely known not just for his performances but also for his sharp and socially aware screenplays. His writing career took off in the 1980s and included several collaborations with leading filmmakers of the time. Many of his works, especially political and social satires, continue to be referenced in public discourse.
Sreenivasan made his directorial debut in 1989 with a film that later earned a Kerala State Film Award and came to be regarded as a classic. He also directed a National Film Award-winning film in the late 1990s, in which he played the lead role. His political satire released in the early 1990s received a state award for best story and remains one of the most discussed films in Malayalam cinema.
Tributes pour in from across Kerala
Several political leaders and film personalities expressed deep grief over his passing. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the death as an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema, calling Sreenivasan a versatile talent who excelled in every sphere of filmmaking. He said the filmmaker had a rare ability to portray the life of the common man through humour and satire, even while challenging long-standing conventions.
Opposition leader V D Satheesan termed Sreenivasan a multifaceted genius who brought powerful social messages to the screen with extraordinary simplicity. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan said Sreenivasan would remain an eternal inspiration for his ability to present serious themes in an engaging manner rooted in everyday life.
Filmmaker Sathyan Anthikkad, a long-time collaborator and friend, recalled that despite his declining health, Sreenivasan remained mentally sharp and deeply reflective until the end.
Family and personal life
After settling in Kochi, Sreenivasan was also known for practising organic farming near his residence. He is survived by his wife Vimala and their two sons, Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both of whom are active in the Malayalam film industry.
With his passing, Malayalam cinema loses a voice that consistently blended humour, realism and social commentary, leaving behind characters and dialogues that continue to resonate with audiences.
As the holiday season kicks in, a packed slate of fresh OTT and theatrical releases is set to entertain audiences this week. From crime thrillers and disaster dramas to comedy shows and romantic films, viewers have multiple options across platforms and cinemas. Here is a detailed look at what’s releasing between December 19 and December 26, based strictly on available information.
Major OTT releases this week
Several high-profile web series and films are making their digital debut across platforms, spanning genres like thriller, drama, comedy and fantasy.
Mrs Deshpande (December 19) An Indian adaptation of the French thriller La Mante, this series stars Madhuri Dixit as a convicted serial killer imprisoned for years. The story takes a turn when a copycat killer surfaces, forcing the police to seek her assistance to crack the case.
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders (December 19) This standalone sequel revisits Inspector Jatil Yadav, who finds himself probing a complex murder. As the investigation progresses, layers of greed, betrayal and dark family secrets come to light.
Four More Shots Please Season 4 (December 19) The final season focuses on the four central characters confronting personal truths and growth. The narrative tracks their emotional journeys as they reassess choices, relationships and identities.
A Time For Bravery (December 19) The film follows a nervous psychoanalyst sentenced to community service after a traffic accident. Assigned to counsel a depressed police officer, the unlikely duo soon gets caught in a dangerous criminal conspiracy linked to national security.
The Great Flood (December 19) Set against what appears to be Earth’s final day, this disaster drama depicts a massive global flood. The story centres on survivors trapped inside a sinking high-rise building as water levels rise rapidly.
The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 4 (December 20) Returning after a short break, the new season brings back familiar faces with fresh sketches, aiming to appeal to viewers across age groups.
Sicily Express (December 22) This series follows two Sicilian nurses working in Milan who discover a magical dumpster portal allowing instant travel between Milan and Sicily. Their plan to run a secret commuter service leads to unexpected misadventures.
Ghost Adventures: House Calls – Season 2 (December 24) The paranormal series documents investigators visiting real homes where families report unexplained experiences, aiming to identify and understand unusual activity.
Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking – Season 2 (December 25) Set on actual movie locations, this season challenges bakers to create desserts inspired by iconic moments from the Harry Potter films, with hosts and guest appearances from the franchise.
Hustlers, Gamblers, Crooks – Season 2 (December 26) The series presents real-life stories of risk, cons and high-stakes decisions, narrated by the people who lived through them.
Films releasing in theatres
Two notable films are hitting cinema screens on Christmas Day, offering contrasting genres.
Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (December 25) Marketed as a Christmas romance, the film stars Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday. It follows two individuals who discover love during personal journeys of self-discovery, while navigating family expectations and modern relationships.
Anaconda (December 25) The film tracks two friends dealing with midlife crises who travel to the Amazon rainforest to remake their favourite childhood movie. Their plans spiral into a survival ordeal when they encounter a giant anaconda.
Popular comedian and television personality Bharti Singh and her husband, writer-host Haarsh Limbachiyaa, have welcomed their second child. The baby was born on Friday after Bharti was taken to the hospital following a sudden medical emergency earlier in the day, according to media reports.
Emergency during television shoot led to hospitalisation
As per available information, Bharti Singh was scheduled to shoot for the television show Laughter Chefs on Friday morning when her water broke unexpectedly. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later delivered her second child. No further details about the baby have been shared publicly so far.
The news of the delivery comes weeks after the couple announced Bharti’s second pregnancy on social media.
Pregnancy announcement and maternity shoot
Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa had revealed the pregnancy during a family vacation in Switzerland. A few weeks ago, Bharti also shared pictures from her maternity photoshoot, where she was seen wearing a blue silk gown with white floral patterns.
Sharing the photos online, Bharti wrote, “2nd Baby Limbachiya coming soon,” along with a baby emoji.
Family background
Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa became parents for the first time in 2022, when they welcomed their son, Lakshya.
The couple is among the most well-known faces on Indian television. Bharti is widely recognised for her comic timing and distinctive on-screen persona, while Haarsh has made his mark as a writer and host. Apart from their television work, the two also co-host a podcast together.
APN News is today the most watched and the most credible and respected news channel in India. APN has been at the forefront of every single news revolution. The channel is being recognized for its in-depth, analytical reportage and hard hitting discussions on burning issues; without any bias or vested interests.
Cricket news10 hours ago
India News10 hours ago
