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!
Ramayana Day 1 Box Office: Ranbir Kapoor film eyes Rs. 100 crore-plus opening
Ramayana is expected to make a strong start at the Indian box office, with trade experts projecting a Day 1 opening of around Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 125 crore. The film’s China prospects remain uncertain.
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is heading for a potentially massive opening at the Indian box office, with trade experts predicting that the film could collect more than Rs. 100 crore on its first day.
The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, is scheduled for theatrical release on November 5. Produced by Namit Malhotra, the mythological epic has generated significant expectations because of its cast, scale, music and visual effects.
Trade analyst Ramesh Bala has given the most optimistic domestic opening estimate, expecting around Rs. 125 crore gross in India on Day 1. He believes the Hindi version and the film’s premium-format availability could help drive its opening, particularly across the Hindi-speaking markets.
Exhibitor and trade analyst Akshaye Rathi has offered a slightly more conservative estimate, putting the film’s nationwide opening at around Rs. 100 crore or more across languages. He noted that the pre-Diwali release period could influence the opening numbers because audiences are occupied with Diwali preparations and shopping.
Veteran trade analyst Komal Nahta also expects the film to reach the Rs. 100-crore range across languages. His estimate is around Rs. 60 crore for the Hindi version, with the total across all languages potentially reaching Rs. 100 crore or more.
Ramayana vs Dhurandhar 2
One of the key box-office questions is whether Ramayana can surpass the opening-day performance of Dhurandhar 2.
Trade experts are cautious about making that comparison. Bala expects a strong opening but pointed out that Dhurandhar 2 benefited from being a sequel and having substantial pre-release hype.
Nahta believes Ramayana is unlikely to surpass Dhurandhar 2 on Day 1, partly because of the timing of its release. Rathi also expects a strong start but highlighted the pre-Diwali period as a factor that could affect the film’s initial numbers.
These are trade projections, rather than confirmed box-office figures. The actual Day 1 collection will depend on occupancy, spot bookings and audience response after the film’s release.
Why Ramayana has strong box-office potential
The film has several factors working in its favour. Its cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, while Nitesh Tiwari is directing the project.
The film also features music by AR Rahman and visual effects from DNEG, giving it a large-scale cinematic presentation. Trade experts believe the combination of mythology, star power and spectacle could attract audiences across different sections of the country.
The familiarity of the Ramayana story is another major factor. Experts believe its cultural and emotional connection with Indian audiences gives the film an advantage that many other releases do not have.
What could happen in China?
China is one of the biggest uncertainties surrounding Ramayana’s overseas prospects.
Nitesh Tiwari’s previous film Dangal had a major run in China, but trade experts have differing views on whether that success can be repeated with Ramayana.
Ramesh Bala has taken a cautious position. He pointed out that Dangal’s success was influenced by several factors and that Ramayana’s mythological subject may not have the same familiarity among Chinese audiences.
Akshaye Rathi, however, sees considerable international potential. He believes that audiences outside India could approach the Ramayana as a fresh story and that effective international marketing could help the film connect with viewers in markets such as China.
Komal Nahta is also optimistic about China and believes the emotional journey of Sita could appeal to Chinese audiences.
The film’s potential in China therefore remains an expectation rather than a confirmed outcome. Its eventual performance will depend on the scale of its release, marketing and audience reception.
Can Ramayana recover its reported budget?
The film has been widely associated with a reported budget of around Rs. 4,000 crore, although trade experts caution that this figure could relate to the two-part project rather than the first instalment alone.
Ramesh Bala suggested that the reported Rs. 4,000 crore figure could cover both parts and said the exact allocation for the first film remains unclear. Komal Nahta estimated the cost of the first part at around Rs. 1,200 crore.
The experts also pointed to non-theatrical revenue, including OTT and satellite rights, as important factors in determining whether the project can recover its investment.
Can Ramayana become India’s biggest film?
The possibility of Ramayana challenging major box-office records is also being discussed ahead of its release.
Bala said the film has the ingredients to compete at the highest level, while Rathi believes it has the potential to become the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide. Nahta, however, has avoided making a definitive prediction before audiences see the film.
The experts also differed on the film’s eventual worldwide theatrical earnings. Bala suggested that it could potentially reach Rs. 1,000-1,500 crore, while Nahta gave an even broader possible range. Rathi did not put a specific figure on it but said the film could potentially reach the top tier of Indian cinema’s global box-office performers.
Ticket prices could affect the opening
Another factor attracting attention is the premium pricing for formats such as IMAX.
Ramesh Bala expects the makers to benefit from higher ticket prices during the initial period but believes prices could come down after the opening week.
Komal Nahta defended the strategy, arguing that the pricing could help a film that has involved such a large reported investment. Audiences who do not want to pay premium prices could instead opt for regular screenings.
Ramayana’s box-office verdict will depend on audience response
While the pre-release projections point towards a major opening, the longer-term performance of Ramayana will ultimately depend on audience reception and word of mouth.
The trade experts broadly agree that the film has the scale, cast and story required for a major theatrical run. However, its actual performance in India, China and other international markets can only be established after its release.
For now, the projections indicate that Ramayana could cross the Rs. 100-crore mark in India on its opening day, while its potential to become one of the biggest Indian films globally remains dependent on how audiences respond to the film.
CID creator BP Singh dies of heart attack, film industry pays tribute
B.P. Singh, the creator and producer-director of CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His contribution to Indian television has prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry.
Veteran television producer-director B.P. Singh, best known for creating the popular crime investigation series CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His death on Tuesday, October 27, prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, who remembered his contribution to Indian television.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s death in a social media post, remembering him as an accomplished filmmaker whose work had captivated audiences through shows such as CID and Aahat.
Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. Expressing grief over the loss, he described Singh as a close friend and a person whose work would continue to inspire future generations.
The last rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, according to Pandit’s post.
BP Singh’s contribution to Indian television
Born Brijendra Pal Singh, B.P. Singh established himself as a prominent figure in Indian television through his work as a producer and director. He created CID, one of the country’s longest-running crime investigation shows, which premiered in 1998 and followed a team of Mumbai crime branch officers investigating cases.
The series became widely recognised among television audiences and ran for around two decades. Singh also occasionally appeared on the show as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole.
One of the show’s notable milestones came in October 2004, when a special episode was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 111 minutes. The achievement received recognition in the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.
Singh’s work was not limited to crime dramas. He was also associated with Aahat, a popular horror television series that aired from 1995 to 2015. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.
Ashoke Pandit remembers the veteran filmmaker
In his tribute, Pandit recalled Singh’s professional achievements and their personal association. He praised the filmmaker’s work on CID and Aahat and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.
Singh’s death marks the loss of a veteran television professional whose productions helped shape crime and horror programming in India.
His work on CID and Aahat remains a significant part of his legacy in Indian television.
Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.
Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.
Mushtaq Khan’s film career
Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.
He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.
In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.
Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.
Mushtaq Khan dies at 56
The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.
Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.
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