Jalandhar, Punjab | July 30, 2025: Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao today attended a court hearing in Jalandhar concerning a controversial poster from his 2017 film, ‘Behen Hogi Teri’. While the actor was present in Jalandhar for proceedings, his advocate, Darshan Singh Dayal, clarified that Rao did not appear in the hearing itself, but had surrendered to the court on July 28 and was granted conditional bail.
The controversy dates back to 2017, when a digital poster for ‘Behen Hogi Teri’ depicted Rajkummar Rao dressed as Lord Shiva, casually seated on a silver motorcycle. This portrayal, featuring symbolic elements like a crescent moon and rudraksha beads, sparked anger among a section of people who alleged it hurt religious sentiments.
An FIR was subsequently registered against actors Rajkummar Rao and Shruti Haasan, along with the film’s producer, director, and deputy director. The charges included Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. Non-bailable warrants had been issued against the actor due to his previous non-appearance.
According to advocate Darshan Dayal, the challan (charge sheet) was presented in court in the actor’s absence. He explained that the summons’ address was in Delhi, and the actor primarily resides in Mumbai, leading to a lack of timely information regarding court appearances. Dayal also noted that Shruti Haasan has been acquitted in the case after the court found her innocent. The film’s director, Ajay K Pannalal, was present in court today, and his petition has been filed.
Rajkummar Rao’s legal defense, as outlined by his advocate, argues that his portrayal was purely an artistic presentation, depicting his character as part of a Jagran troupe impersonating Lord Shiva. “There was no intention to hurt the religious sentiments of any community,” stated Darshan Singh Dayal.
Furthermore, Rao’s defense emphasizes that ‘Behen Hogi Teri’ had received a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), indicating that its content was not legally objectionable. The actor’s legal team is also asserting that his freedom of expression is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression.
‘Behen Hogi Teri’ was directed by Ajay K Pannalal and starred Rajkummar Rao and Shruti Haasan in the lead roles. Rajkummar Rao was most recently seen in the film ‘Maalik’.