Bollywood controversies that went viral in 2024
Updated: Dec 30th, 2024
2024 has been a whirlwind year for Bollywood, with a constant stream of controversies, gossip, and shocking revelations that have kept the media and fans on edge. From high-profile relationships and divorces to celebrity feuds, rumours, and social media spats, the Hindi film industry has proven that it’s as much about the drama off-screen as it is on-screen.
The Bachchan family’s personal life is always under intense scrutiny, and in 2024, rumours of a potential divorce between Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan took social media by storm. Speculation was fuelled by their rare public appearances together and their individual focus on career projects.
The rumours reached a fever pitch after Aishwarya posted cryptic messages on social media about ‘moving on’ and ‘growth’, which many fans interpreted as a veiled hint at marital issues. Both Aishwarya and Abhishek dismissed the rumours, but the tabloids continue to speculate on their relationship.
Poonam Pandey faking her own death
In one of the most bizarre controversies of this year, actress Poonam Pandey sparked outrage by allegedly faking her death to grab attention and promote her new social media content.
The ‘death hoax’ went viral when Poonam’s Instagram post implied that she had passed away, only for her to reveal hours later that it was a publicity stunt for her upcoming show. While she claimed it was meant to “startle and surprise” her audience and spread awareness about cervical cancer, the stunt drew severe backlash for its insensitivity, particularly among fans who took her death seriously.
Vikrant Massey’s cryptic post
Actor Vikrant Massey, known for his roles in films and web series, shocked fans in 2024 with a cryptic Instagram post when he announced a break from films.
“The last few years and beyond have been phenomenal. I thank every one of you for your indelible support. But as I move forward, I realise it's time to recalibrate and go back home. As a Husband, Father & a Son. And also as an Actor. Coming 2025, we would meet each other for one last time. Until time deems right. Last 2 movies and many years of memories. Thank you again. For everything and everything in between. Forever indebted,” the post read.
His post led to an outpouring of support, but also raised questions about the pressures placed on actors who are not part of Bollywood's “inner circle”.
CISF guard slaps Kangana Ranaut
In one of the most shocking controversies of 2024, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut was involved in a highly publicised incident at Chandigarh Airport, where a CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) guard Kulwinder Kaur had slapped Kangana Ranaut. Kaur slapped Ranaut as she was upset about Ranaut’s stance on farmer’s protest.
A R Rahman and Mohini Dey link-up rumours after their divorce announcements
A R Rahman and bassist Mohini Dey were both in the news after their respective divorce announcements on the same day in September 2024. Social media quickly linked them together due to their musical collaboration on several high-profile projects.
Both Rahman and Dey denied the rumours, calling them “speculation and mischief”. Rahman’s lawyer even sent legal notices to social media platforms and YouTubers involved. However, the link-up speculation created a storm in both the music and film industries.
Divya Khosla Kumar criticises Alia Bhatt’s ‘Jigra’ and claims of box office manipulation
Filmmaker and actress Divya Khosla Kumar made waves in 2024 when she publicly criticised Alia Bhatt’s performance in the film Jigra (directed by Karan Johar).
Divya suggested that the film’s box office success was not purely due to its content but was strategically manipulated through paid promotions and brand collaborations.
Divya’s comments sparked a massive debate, with fans of both Alia and Karan Johar defending them against the accusations of unfair box office tactics. Divya, however, doubled down, claiming that the marketing strategies behind Jigra were too orchestrated. The controversy also led to a series of social media wars between Divya and various Bollywood PR teams, with allegations of favouritism and industry manipulation flying across platforms.
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