Bollywood stars combat smear campaigns with legal actions

Bollywood is facing a wave of smear campaigns targeting its stars, including Aamir Khan and Javed Akhtar. These celebrities are choosing to fight back legally against false rumors and damaging social media posts. Experts believe these smear campaigns rarely affect a film's box office success, despite the chaos they create. The issue is prominent both in Bollywood and Hollywood. For instance, Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, claiming he harassed her and initiated a smear campaign. Baldoni responded with a countersuit for defamation. Their legal disputes reflect how personal lives can intertwine with their professional worlds, impacting their careers and earnings. In another case, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp's legal battles over defamation made headlines and affected their public images. Meanwhile, the late Kim Sae Ron's fans have highlighted negative articles published about her during her struggles, calling for accountability for those who contribute to smear campaigns. The existence of these campaigns is debated. Some industry insiders see them as orchestrated attacks against celebrities, while others think they stem from fan rivalries. The spread of misinformation on social media has intensified these issues. Expert opinions suggest that public perception drives the entertainment industry. However, many believe that a good film will succeed regardless of negative publicity. Public relations experts emphasize the need for celebrities to address false narratives quickly, but managing misinformation remains a significant challenge. Defamation laws in India are perceived as weak, making it hard for stars to protect their reputations effectively. Most insiders agree that without stricter regulations on social media, misinformation will continue to thrive, making it difficult for those affected to combat false narratives.