Junaid Khan to Sara Ali Khan: Actors whose debut films ran into controversy

Junaid Khan, the son of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, was in the news after members of the Vaishnav Pushtimarg sect went to court, hoping to bar the release of the film on the grounds of hurting religious sentiments. While some movies seamlessly make their way to the silver screen, others find themselves entangled in controversies. Here's a look at several other stars whose debut films stirred significant debates and legal battles, on their turbulent journey to the big screen.

Junaid Khan, son of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, faced unexpected roadblocks with his debut film, Maharaj. The film, based on an 1862 libel case involving a clash between a Vaishnavite religious leader and social reformer Karsandas Mulji, ran into trouble when members of the Vaishnav Pushtimarg sect filed a petition against its release. They claimed the film hurt religious sentiments. However, the Gujarat High Court, after watching the film, lifted the stay on its release, stating it contained 'nothing objectionable or derogatory'. Originally set to release on June 14, the film premiered on Netflix after the court's approval.

Aayush Sharma's debut film, Loveratri, produced by Salman Khan, drew ire from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The organization's members objected to the film's title, alleging it distorted the significance of the Hindu festival Navratri. A Bihar court further fueled the controversy by ordering an FIR against Salman Khan, claiming the title promoted vulgarity and hurt religious sentiments. To resolve the issue, the film's title was changed to LoveYatri.

Sara Ali Khan's debut in Kedarnath, alongside Sushant Singh Rajput, was marred by controversy even before its release. The film, set against the backdrop of the 2013 Kedarnath floods, faced backlash from shrine-town priests and Hindu groups who accused it of promoting 'love jihad'. The interfaith romance between the lead characters, a Hindu and a Muslim, along with a kissing scene, was deemed "offensive" by some. Protests led to a ban in parts of Uttarakhand. However, a court later dismissed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the film, labelling it a publicity stunt and imposing a fine on the complainant.

Raees, which marked Pakistani actress Mahira Khan's Bollywood debut, encountered significant controversy. A scene in the film's trailer showing Shah Rukh Khan jumping over an Islamic procession was deemed disrespectful by the Shia Muslim community. Additionally, the political climate following the 2016 Uri attack led to an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists in Bollywood, impacting Mahira's presence in the industry. The actress later spoke about the emotional toll the controversy took on her, highlighting the anxiety and depression she faced during that period.