Bollywood celebrity Ranbir Kapoor finds himself amidst a contentious scenario as legal complaints have been lodged against him following the circulation of a potentially inflammatory video. Kapoor, a widely recognized face in the Hindi cinema industry, allegedly engaged in an act during Christmas festivities that has ruffled feathers within the religious community.
The incident occurred during a private Christmas celebration, where the actor is shown pouring wine and other liquors over a cake, then setting it ablaze while exclaiming “Jai Mata Di”—a common Hindi exclamation translating to “Hail the Mother Goddess.” This act, typically associated with expressions of Hindu faith, swiftly ignited controversy after the video went viral on social media platforms.
As the video spread, advocates Ashish Rai and Pankaj Mishra—practicing at the Bombay High Court—felt compelled to file a complaint at the Ghatkopar Police Station in Mumbai. Their application urges for the registration of a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), specifically sections 295A, 298, 500, and 34, which are related to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, the uttering of words intended to wound religious feelings, defamation, and acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention, respectively.
Despite the submission, the police have yet to file a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the claims made in the complaint. The absence of an FIR thus far has not quelled the rising discontent among those who felt that their sentiments were compromised by the actions depicted in the video.
The advocates’ complaint articulates that within Hinduism, fire—a sacred element—is traditionally revered and invoked prior to any other deities during religious ceremonies. The use of intoxicants like alcohol, while chanting sacred phrases associated with the fire god, is seen by the complainants as a deliberate act of disrespect. Furthermore, they maintain that the family’s actions in the video reflect an intention to insult and provoke those holding the religious beliefs in question.
“Jai Mata Di,” a chant that resonates with the spirit of worship and veneration for the divine mother, is often voiced during religious festivals and yatras (pilgrimages). The misuse of such a revered chant, especially in conjunction with alcohol—which many religious practitioners abstain from—as seen in the video, has provoked sharp criticism from various quarters of society.
The video has not only become a focal point of religious and legal debate but has also spurred conversations around the role of public figures in displaying sensitivity towards diverse faiths. It raises questions on the responsibilities that come with the influence and reach of celebrities, particularly in a culturally pluralistic society like India, where cinema stars hold significant sway over public opinion and behaviour.
Indian cinema has often walked a tightrope between creative expression and cultural sensitivities, with instances of films and celebrities stirring controversy for allegedly misrepresenting or mocking religious sentiments. This latest incident involving Ranbir Kapoor, a high-profile member of Bollywood’s elite, underscores the complexities that arise when celebrity actions intersect with religious traditions and public sensibilities.
As the legal processes unfold and debates continue to swirl around the implications of the video, an increased focus is likely on the boundaries of expression within the entertainment industry and the varying interpretations of religious respect. Kapoor’s case presents another chapter in the ongoing discourse around religion, law, and celebrity culture within India’s vibrant social landscape.
