The year 2022 is about to end. While 2022 was a year of relief from Covid-19, the year saw a few controversies and scandals which were never experienced before. The year started with Will Smith slapping Chris Rock on the 2022 Oscars stage and is about to end with the controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone-Shah Rukh Khan starrer Pathaan’s bhagwa-bikini.
Be it the Ukraine-Russia war or Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, the year 2022 was marred with scandals and controversies. In India, Boycott Bollywood, Nupur Sharma prophet remark, Kashmir Files and there was a lot that outraged people this year.
As we reach the end of 2022, let us take a look at how the sentiments of people were hurt due to films, clothes and opinions of celebrities and politicians.
Russia-Ukraine War
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has been one of the major tragedies in 2022. Thousands have been killed and millions displaced, but the war is yet to end. Despite months of sanctions and diplomacy threats, the war continues with fresh reports of Nuclear War coming.
Hope the war ends soon and peace prevails in 2023.
Will Smith – Chris Rock Oscar slapgate
The year started with Will Smith slapping comedian Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars after the latter made a joke about his wife’s baldness. The incident left the world and social media divided even after Will later apologised for his actions on the Oscars stage. Meanwhile, Smith has been banned from Oscars for 10 years.
Johnny Depp – Amber Heard defamation row
One of the most talked about topics in 2022, actor Johnny Depp sued his wife Amber Heard for defamation after she hinted at abuse. The Aquaman actress was later found guilty and was ordered to pay $10 million in damages to Depp.
Protest in Iran
Massive protests rocked Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for violating the country’s strict dress code for women. Women in huge numbers hit the streets, cut their hair, burnt their hijabs in protest. Tension continues in Iran as we are about to enter 2023.
Nupur Sharma prophet remark row
Former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma sparked controversy after her objectionable remarks on Prophet Muhammad. Violence broke out in many parts of the state while the Islamic world took offense and caused diplomatic controversy. Islamic nations condemned Nupur’s comments following which, BJP called her a ‘fringe element’.
On the other hand, the Supreme Court also denounced Nupur Sharma and said she was single-handedly responsible for what is happening in the country after the Udaipur tailor murder incident.
India-China clash
Relations between India and China have been worsening over the border in the Himalayan region. Despite, talks, tension continues and there were reports of troops clashing near the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh. Similarly, the Galwan Valley battle was the first fatal confrontation between the two sides since 1975.
Elon Musk Twitter takeover and lay-offs
Billionaire Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover and firing of thousands of employees created quite a controversy. On the other hand, the tech world witnessed a major wave due to massive layoffs in top IT companies like Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft and Twitter.
Jacqueline Fernandez – conman Sukesh saga
Kick actress Jacqueline found herself in a tight spot after ED dug out her connection with conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar in a money laundering case. The actress confessed of receiving numerous luxury gifts from the conman and admitted to being in a relationship with him for six months and called him his ‘dream man’.
On the other hand, actress and dancer Nora Fatehi has filed a defamation case against Jacqueline.
Vivek Agnihotri's movie - The Kashmir Files row
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Kashmir Files’ was in the limelight for its story and plot. Based on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, the movie was called a propaganda and one-sided. Many accused the filmmaker of vulgar propaganda. Even, Israeli director Nadav Lapid called the movie a ‘vulgar propaganda’ during 53rd International Film Festival of India.
However, despite several controversies, the film went on to become the first Hindi film to cross Rs 250 crore in box office after Covid-19 pandemic and is one of the highest grosser of 2022.
Boycott Bollywood, Laal Singh Chaddha and Deepika’s ‘Besharam Rang’
2022 was a year of Boycott Bollywood. While South movies did extraordinarily well in box office, fans on the other hand called for Boycott Bollywood. The worst to suffer was Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha. Unlike other Aamir Khan’s movies, the film failed to impress the audience and turned out to be a box office disaster.
However, despite call for boycott, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s Brahmastra performed well in the box office and went on to become the biggest hit of 2022. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s Pathaan has become target after a scene of Deepika in an orange-bikini in Pathaan’s song Besharam Rang.
Ranveer Singh’s nude photoshoot
Known for his quirky and weird fashion sense, Ranveer Singh landed himself in trouble after he went butt-naked for a photoshoot. While some fans appreciated the actor for his boldness, some were not so happy. Even an FIR was lodged against the actor, but the ‘Bajirao Mastani’ actor told Mumbai police that the picture was morphed.