Mumbai, India, July 15, 2025 – Social media influencer Vikas Phatak, popularly known as Hindustani Bhau, has withdrawn his legal plea against Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan after the Bombay High Court declined to entertain it. The plea sought to direct Mumbai Police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Khan for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Hindu festival of Holi during a February 2025 episode of Celebrity MasterChef. Khan reportedly referred to Holi as “a festival for the Chhapris,” a term Phatak claimed insulted Hindu religious sentiments.
The controversy began when Phatak, a former Bigg Boss contestant, filed a complaint with Khar Police Station on February 21, 2025, alleging that Khan’s statement hurt the feelings of the Hindu community and could incite communal unrest. He argued that the term “Chhapris,” often used as slang to imply a lack of refinement, disrespected the cultural and religious significance of Holi, a widely celebrated festival symbolizing unity and the triumph of good over evil. Despite escalating his complaint to senior police officials, no FIR was registered, prompting Phatak to approach the Bombay High Court.
On July 15, 2025, the Bombay High Court dismissed Phatak’s plea, criticizing him for being “overly sensitive” about the remark. The court emphasized the need to balance freedom of expression with respect for religious sentiments but found no grounds to mandate an FIR. Following the court’s decision, Phatak withdrew his plea, bringing an end to the legal battle. Khan, a prominent director and choreographer known for films like Om Shanti Om, has not publicly commented on the controversy.
The case sparked widespread debate on social media, with some users supporting Phatak’s call for accountability, while others defended Khan, arguing her comment was not intended to offend. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between free speech and cultural sensitivity in India, where public figures often face scrutiny for statements perceived as disrespectful to religious traditions.
