Actor Rajkummar Rao appeared before a Jalandhar court on July 28, 2025, to surrender in connection with a case dating back to the promotion of his 2017 film Behen Hogi Teri. The issue stems from a film poster and scene where Rao is seen dressed as Lord Shiva while riding a motorcycle—imagery that sparked controversy and a complaint from a local political leader alleging hurt religious sentiments.
The case, largely dormant for years, resurfaced recently when the court issued a non-bailable warrant against the actor after repeated absences from hearings. Sources close to Rao revealed the court summons had been mistakenly delivered to an old address, leading to his unintentional non-compliance. Once aware of the warrant, Rao surrendered voluntarily and appeared in person to resolve the matter.
Following his appearance, the court granted conditional bail, noting Rao’s cooperation and clean legal record. While the case is still pending, the actor’s legal team is expected to seek quashing of the charges, arguing that the scene in question was not intended to offend, but was part of a fictional narrative contextually tied to the film’s plot.
Behen Hogi Teri, a romantic comedy, received a mixed response upon its release but did stir public debate over the poster’s use of religious iconography. This latest development highlights the long shadow of religious sensitivity in Indian cinema, where even artistic expressions can become flashpoints years later.