Mumbai, February 23, 2025: Bollywood filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan has been booked for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Hindu festival of Holi.
An FIR has been registered against Khan under sections 196, 299, 302, and 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) following a complaint filed by Vikash Fhatak, popularly known as Hindustani Bhau, through his lawyer Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh.
The controversy erupted after Farah Khan, currently serving as a judge on Celebrity MasterChef, made a comment about Holi during an episode aired on February 20. She reportedly stated, “Holi is the favorite festival of all the chhapri people.”
The term “chhapri”, often used pejoratively, is considered offensive, and the remark quickly sparked outrage on social media. Netizens accused Khan of making a casteist slur, leading to widespread trolling and demands for legal action.
The complaint was lodged today at Khar Police Station, seeking legal proceedings against Khan for her remarks. Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding further legal steps or Khan’s response to the allegations.
This development has added to the growing discourse on freedom of speech and religious sentiments in Bollywood, as similar controversies have surfaced in the past involving public figures making comments on religious or cultural events.