Rajkummar Rao has been granted conditional bail by a Jalandhar court in a case linked to a 2017 promotional poster for the film Behen Hogi Teri. The poster, which showed the actor dressed as Lord Shiva seated on a motorbike, had triggered backlash and led to an FIR for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
According to advocate Darshan Singh Dayal, the FIR was registered under Section 295A (deliberate act to outrage religious feelings), Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), and Section 67 of the IT Act. Non-bailable warrants were issued against Rao and others including actress Shruti Haasan, the film’s producer, director, and deputy director.
The controversial poster, released online on April 4, 2017, showed Rao portraying Lord Shiva as part of a character in a Jagran troupe. His casual pose on a bike with closed shops in the background drew sharp criticism from certain groups.
On July 28, 2025, Rajkummar Rao surrendered before the Jalandhar court. His advocate explained that the actor had not received the court summons earlier as they were sent to an address in Delhi while Rao resides in Mumbai.
Darshan Singh Dayal argued that Rao was simply playing a fictional role and that the scene was an artistic expression, not an attempt to incite religious feelings. He added that Behen Hogi Teri had already received a CBFC certificate, and Rao’s right to expression is protected under Article 19(1)(a).Shruti Haasan was acquitted after the court found her not involved in the matter.