Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao surrendered before a Jalandhar court on July 28 in connection with a case dating back to 2017, involving the promotional poster of his film Behen Hogi Teri. The court granted him conditional bail following his appearance.
According to Rao’s lawyer, Darshan Singh Dayal, the case was originally filed over a poster that showed Rao in the garb of Lord Shiva, sitting casually on a motorbike. The poster, which was released online on April 4, 2017, triggered controversy, leading to an FIR under IPC Sections 295A (hurting religious sentiments), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and Section 67 of the IT Act. Non-bailable warrants were also issued.
Rajkummar Rao Argues Poster Was Artistic Expression, Not Malicious
Advocate Dayal clarified that the poster was part of Rao’s portrayal of a character in a Jagran troupe and was purely an artistic expression. “There was no intention to hurt the religious sentiments of any community,” he added. The actor has also stated that Behen Hogi Teri had received CBFC certification, which implied the film’s content was not legally objectionable.
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The court had earlier issued summons to Rao at his Delhi address, which led to delays in appearance since the actor currently resides in Mumbai. Meanwhile, co-star Shruti Haasan has already been acquitted after the court found no basis for charges against her.
The film’s director, Ajay K Pannalal, appeared before the court on the same day as Rao. The case continues to draw attention as it touches on the balance between creative freedom and religious sensitivities.
