FIR filed against Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone in Rajasthan over car endorsement dispute

A Rajasthan-based lawyer has filed an FIR against Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, accusing them of misleading consumers by endorsing a car with alleged manufacturing defects. The complaint claims the vehicle posed safety risks and caused recurring technical issues.

Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone face FIR in Rajasthan

Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, who were last seen together in Atlee’s blockbuster film Jawan, have found themselves in legal trouble. An FIR has been filed in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, against the actors for allegedly promoting a car model that reportedly has serious manufacturing defects.

The complaint, filed by advocate Kirti Singh at the Mathura Gate police station, names both actors for their role as brand ambassadors of the car. Singh alleged that their endorsements misled him into believing the car was trouble-free and reliable.

The Complaint and Allegations

According to reports, Singh purchased the vehicle in 2022 for ₹23.97 lakh, after making an advance payment of ₹51,000 and securing a loan of more than ₹10 lakh. He stated that his decision was strongly influenced by the celebrity endorsements of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, along with the assurances of the dealership.

However, within a few months of purchase, the car allegedly began developing serious technical problems. Singh claimed that:

• The car often failed to accelerate properly while overtaking, even when the RPM increased.
• The odometer frequently displayed malfunction warnings.
• At higher speeds, the vehicle produced vibrations and strange noises, creating a potential safety hazard.
• He narrowly avoided accidents on multiple occasions due to these defects.

When Singh approached the dealership, he was informed that the car had a manufacturing defect that could not be fixed.

Legal Action Against Actors

Feeling cheated, Singh decided to file a case not only against the automobile company but also against Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, who endorsed the car in several advertisements. He accused the stars of misleading consumers by lending their credibility to a product that was not safe for use.

The case has sparked discussions on celebrity endorsements and their accountability in misleading advertisements, especially when consumer safety is at stake.

This is not the first time that brand ambassadors have faced legal scrutiny in India. Similar cases have been filed in the past against public figures for endorsing products later found to be defective or unsafe.

What’s Next?

The matter is now under investigation by the Rajasthan police. If the allegations hold, it could have wider implications on how Bollywood celebrities and other influencers approach brand endorsements in the future.

Both Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone are yet to release an official statement on the case.