The year 2025 proved to be anything but quiet for the India(BHARAT)n entertainment industry. From unexpected controversies to emotional moments that sparked national debates, the year saw one headline replacing another. From film sets to social media timelines, here are the biggest controversies that kept the country talking all year long.
Virat Kohli and Avneet Kaur’s social media storm
One of the most talked-about moments of the year came when cricketer Virat Kohli accidentally liked a photo of actress Avneet Kaur on Instagram. Though the interaction was brief, it quickly went viral. Virat later clarified that it was a technical glitch caused while cleaning his feed and carried no personal intent. Still, the moment turned into a social media storm and unexpectedly boosted Avneet’s popularity, with her gaining massive attention and new brand deals.
Deepika Padukone and the eight-hour workday debate
A major conversation around work culture began when Deepika Padukone reportedly stepped away from major projects, including Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. The reason cited was her demand for balanced working hours after motherhood. The decision triggered widespread debate on fair work conditions for women in cinema, sparking strong opinions across the industry on work-life balance, pay parity, and creative control.
Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing incident
One of the most shocking incidents of the year involved actor Saif Ali Khan, who was attacked during a robbery attempt at his Bandra residence. He was hospitalised for five days following the incident. The episode raised serious concerns about celebrity security, while insensitive social media reactions further added to the outrage.
Hera Pheri 3 controversy
The announcement of Hera Pheri 3 brought excitement, but it quickly turned into controversy when Paresh Rawal exited the project, reportedly over creative and financial differences. A legal notice from Akshay Kumar’s production house followed. Although Paresh later returned, the incident sparked discussions about creative clashes and payment disputes in long-running franchises.
Pakistani artists and renewed backlash
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh found himself in hot water after casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3. The move faced backlash amid rising political tensions, leading to the film’s India(BHARAT) release being stalled. The situation intensified after the ban on Pakistani artists was reinforced following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, also impacting Fawad Khan’s film Abir Gulaal.
India(BHARAT)’s Got Latent controversy
The comedy show India(BHARAT)’s Got Latent faced heavy criticism after host Samay Raina and panelist Ranveer Allahbadia were accused of making insensitive remarks. Police complaints were filed, and the show drew backlash for crossing lines of decency. Samay later issued a public apology, but the controversy left a strong mark.
From shocking incidents to cultural debates, 2025 proved that India(BHARAT)n entertainment continues to reflect the chaos, emotion, and conversations of its time, keeping audiences hooked, divided, and deeply invested.
