Farah Khan Faces Backlash and Legal Complaint Over Holi Remarks
Bollywood filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan is under fire after making a controversial remark about the Hindu festival of Holi, which has led to a criminal complaint being filed against her. The comment, made during an episode of Celebrity MasterChef India aired on February 20, quickly became the subject of widespread outrage on social media and triggered a legal challenge.
The Controversial Comment and Its Backlash
Farah Khan, who is currently serving as a judge on the popular cooking competition Celebrity MasterChef, sparked the controversy with a comment about Holi. During the episode, Khan referred to the festival as “the favorite festival of all the Chhapri people.” The use of the term “chhapri,” considered a casteist slur, immediately caused offense, especially among the Hindu community, who viewed it as an insult to the festival.
The backlash was swift, with social media users criticizing the Bollywood personality for making such a derogatory remark about a sacred Hindu celebration. Many people took to Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms to express their displeasure, accusing Khan of disrespecting the cultural and religious sentiments of Hindus.
Legal Complaint Filed by Hindustani Bhau
Vikash Fhatak, popularly known as Hindustani Bhau, a social media influencer, has filed a formal criminal complaint against Farah Khan. The complaint was lodged at Khar Police Station on February 22, 2025, seeking legal action for the alleged offensive remarks. Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh is representing Fhatak in the case.
The complaint accuses Farah Khan of using the derogatory term “chhapri” to describe the festival of Holi, which Fhatak claims deeply insulted both his personal religious beliefs and the broader Hindu community. Hindustani Bhau expressed that Khan’s words were not only offensive but also dangerous, as they have the potential to incite communal tensions. In the legal filing, the advocate emphasized the need for legal action to maintain peace and harmony in the community.
Legal Grounds and FIR
The legal complaint against Farah Khan cites multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These include Section 196 (relating to the promotion of enmity between different groups), Section 299 (dealing with causing harm by deliberate or negligent acts), Section 302 (punishment for murder), and Section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty).
The complaint specifically calls for an investigation into Khan’s comments and demands legal consequences for what the accuser describes as “irresponsible and inflammatory” remarks. The FIR (First Information Report) has been filed to initiate a legal process and ensure accountability for her actions.
Hindustani Bhau’s Stand
In his statement, Hindustani Bhau emphasized the gravity of the issue, asserting that Farah Khan’s comment was not a simple slip of the tongue, but an insult to millions of Hindus who celebrate Holi. “The use of such language to describe a festival that holds immense cultural and religious significance is highly inappropriate. This needs to be addressed legally to prevent further harm and to maintain the peace and unity of our nation,” Fhatak said.
The influencer, who has a significant following online, further stated that such remarks, if left unchecked, could embolden individuals to make similar disrespectful comments about sacred traditions, leading to heightened communal tensions.
Public Reactions and Social Media Outrage
Since the comment was made, Farah Khan has faced intense trolling and criticism on social media. Twitter users have been quick to call out the filmmaker, with hashtags such as #BoycottFarahKhan and #HoliRespect trending. Many prominent public figures have also weighed in on the matter, expressing their disapproval of her words.
On the other hand, Khan’s supporters argue that the remark was taken out of context and that she did not intend to insult the festival or the people celebrating it. They have urged for a more nuanced discussion rather than jumping to legal action or social media condemnation.
Farah Khan Responds to Criticism
As of now, Farah Khan has yet to issue an official statement regarding the legal complaint or the public backlash. However, given her prominent position in the Bollywood industry, it is expected that she will address the controversy in the coming days.
Khan, who has been a respected figure in the entertainment industry for decades, has previously been known for her lighthearted humor and candid personality. However, this latest incident has put her in the eye of a storm, with her actions now under scrutiny.
What’s Next for Farah Khan?
With the legal complaint filed and the growing public outcry, it remains to be seen how the matter will unfold. The case will likely continue to dominate headlines as investigations proceed. For now, Farah Khan is facing a significant challenge in navigating the fallout from her controversial remarks.
This incident underscores the sensitive nature of public comments regarding religious and cultural practices in India. As tensions rise and debates intensify, it is crucial for public figures to be mindful of their words and the impact they can have on the community.