- Thursday, March 20, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A complaint has been filed against Bollywood director and choreographer Farah Khan for allegedly calling Holi “a festival for the chhapris,” a term widely considered derogatory. According to a report by ABP News, an FIR was lodged at Khar Police Station on Friday, February 21, following her remarks on an episode of Celebrity MasterChef that aired on February 20.
The complaint was filed by Vikash Fhatak, popularly known as Hindustani Bhau, who accused Farah of making an offensive statement that insulted religious sentiments. His advocate, Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, stated, “My client states that this comment made by Farah Khan has insulted the religious sentiments of Hindus. The use of the term ‘Chhapris’ to describe a sacred festival is highly inappropriate and has the potential to cause communal tension.”
“Sare cchapri ladke ka pasandeeda festival Holi hi hota hai.”
Disrespecting Hindu festivals has become a norm, thanks to pathetic Bollywood creatures like @TheFarahKhan. People like her should be the ones facing consequences.#FarahKhan @randomsenapic.twitter.com/riQtYWkJej pic.twitter.com/kg0Mxr36UZ
— Professor (@Profesir_) February 20, 2025
The complaint further alleged that Farah’s statement was not only disrespectful but could also incite controversy. It read, “The incident involves Ms. Farah Khan, a prominent Bollywood filmmaker and choreographer, who recently made a highly derogatory and offensive remark against the Hindu festival of Holi.”
Seeking legal action, the complaint urged the authorities to take steps under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 196, 299, 302, and 353. It added, “Through this complaint, I seek justice under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and request your esteemed office to initiate legal action against Khan for her irresponsible and inflammatory statements.”
Farah Khan is yet to issue a response regarding the controversy. She is currently one of the judges on Celebrity MasterChef alongside Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar.
Farah Khan, daughter of filmmaker Kamran Khan, started her career as a choreographer and has worked on some of Bollywood’s most iconic dance sequences. She has choreographed hit songs like Chaiyya Chaiyya, Ek Pal Ka Jeena, Dhol Bajne Laga, and Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala.
Apart from choreography, she is well known for directing successful films such as Main Hoon Na (2004), Om Shanti Om (2007), Tees Maar Khan (2010), and Happy New Year (2014). Despite her contributions to the industry, she has often found herself in the midst of controversies.
The complaint against Farah Khan has fueled online debates, with many questioning the impact of celebrities’ statements and the increasing sensitivity around religious sentiments in India. Some social media users have supported Hindustani Bhau’s move, while others believe the reaction to Farah’s statement may be exaggerated.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether legal action will be taken against the filmmaker. Meanwhile, discussions about freedom of speech, celebrity responsibility, and the intersection of entertainment and religion continue to dominate online platforms.
