Farah Khan, a Bollywood filmmaker and choreographer, is at the receiving end of legal mayhem after the social media influencer Hindustani Bhau, real name Vikash Fhatak, lodged an FIR against her for allegedly using derogatory remarks about the festival of Holi.
The complaint was registered on 21 February at Khar Police Station, Mumbai, against Khan for hurting religious sentiments with the controversial comment she made on 20 February during an episode of Celebrity MasterChef.
Farah’s Remarks
On the show, it is alleged that Farah called Holi a “festival for chhapris,” Birla alluding to the slang word that many consider derogatory. Hindustani Bhau, known to have strong opinions on any social issue, claimed the comment was disrespectful and deeply hurt him religiously and the Hindu community.
“Farah Khan’s remarks at the show were not just derogatory but also can create communal disharmony. It is entirely unacceptable to make such insulting remarks against a holy festival,” said Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, an advocate representing Hindustani Bhau.
Charges Against Farah Khan
The complaint moves several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Farah Khan: Sections 196, 299, 302, and 353, related to intentional insult and incitement to communal disharmony. The FIR also states, “Ms. Farah Khan, a popular Bollywood filmmaker, has made derogatory remarks against the Hindu festival of Holi.”
He further added, “My client and many from the Hindu community feel that this statement was disrespectful to their religion. Legal action must be taken against her with strict measures under the relevant sections of the IPC.” As the firefly in this controversy shines on, legal experts have speculated on the consequences Khan would await if held guilty.
