- Allu Arjun’s involvement in the Pushpa 2 stampede controversy led to his arrest.
- Poonam Pandey staged a death hoax, sparking public outrage.
- A public feud between Nayanthara and Dhanush over documentary footage rights.
In 2024, Indian entertainment witnessed multiple high-profile controversies, with Allu Arjun’s arrest being one of the most talked-about incidents. During a promotional event for Pushpa 2: The Rule, a stampede led to the tragic death of a woman, and Arjun’s involvement in the case drew significant media attention.
Though the film became one of the highest-grossing of the year, the incident cast a shadow over his career. Other controversial moments included Poonam Pandey faking her death in a bizarre publicity stunt to raise awareness about cervical cancer, only to face widespread backlash for misusing a serious issue.
From Stampedes to Stunts: The Biggest Celebrity Scandals of 2024
Poonam Pandey‘s death hoax in February grabbed headlines, with her team announcing her demise from cervical cancer, only to reveal it was a stunt to raise awareness. The controversial move backfired, leading to an apology from her PR agency and intense criticism on social media.
Similarly, the Malayalam film industry was shaken by the Justice Hema Committee report, which revealed systemic harassment and exploitation of women. This led to the resignation of key figures, including the powerful AMMA committee, and criminal charges against several well-known actors.
Meanwhile, the selection of Laapataa Ladies over All We Imagine As Light to represent India at the Oscars triggered a public outcry. Many felt the latter film, which had won accolades at Cannes, was a more deserving candidate. The controversy highlighted not only dissatisfaction with the choice but also criticisms of the Film Federation of India’s all-male jury.
In another clash, Nayanthara found herself at odds with Dhanush over the use of footage from their 2015 film for her Netflix documentary. The dispute escalated when Dhanush demanded significant financial compensation, creating a public feud that divided opinions.
Kapil Sharma also faced backlash after a segment on his show where he allegedly made racist remarks about Jawan director Atlee. Despite the criticism, Sharma defended his actions, urging people to focus on positive content and not spread hate online. In addition, the cold case of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa involved a murder accusation against him for the death of a fan who had reportedly sent obscene messages. Despite the serious allegations, Darshan was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court, though the incident marred his image.
2024 was a year of intense controversy in the entertainment world, with celebrities embroiled in incidents that affected their careers and public images. While some managed to recover, others continued to face scrutiny.
“In the world of fame, every move is scrutinized, and in 2024, Indian showbiz saw stars crash and burn, from arrests to feuds, proving how quickly careers can derail.”
