Aryan Khan sparks controversy with middle finger gesture, Zaid Khan offers clarification
Bengaluru: The son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Aryan Khan, has landed in fresh controversy after a video of him allegedly showing his middle finger at fans at a Bengaluru pub went viral, igniting widespread criticism on social media.
Known for keeping a low profile and focusing on his work, Aryan’s sudden weekend visit to the city created a stir among film enthusiasts and nightlife lovers.
According to sources, Aryan Khan arrived in Bengaluru from Mumbai and was invited as a special guest to one of the city’s prominent nightspots. He reportedly entered the pub around 11 pm and stayed until 12:45 am, enjoying Bengaluru’s nightlife.
It was during this time that he stood on the pub’s balcony, waved to fans, and then allegedly raised both hands in a middle finger gesture toward the crowd. The incident, which took place on November 28, came to public attention only days later when the video circulated widely.
Aryan was reportedly accompanied by notable political figures’ children. Zaid Khan, son of Wakf Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, and Mohammed Nalapad, son of BDA chairman N.A. Harris, were reportedly present beside him during the incident. Eyewitnesses noted that while Aryan performed the gesture, both Zaid and Nalapad were seen laughing, which further fueled criticism online.
The incident has triggered a wave of anger among Bengaluru residents and social media users, with many questioning why Aryan displayed such behavior when fans had gathered out of admiration. Critics have argued that as a public figure, such conduct is inappropriate and sets a poor example for younger audiences.
In response to the growing controversy, Zaid Khan clarified the matter on a local news channel. He stated, “Aryan did not direct the gesture at the public. He was looking at a friend who was standing nearby and was just a friendly gesture.
Had it been shown to the crowd, it would have been wrong, but that was not his intention.” He further emphasized that Aryan has been a close friend for many years and that the gesture was misunderstood.
Despite the clarification, netizens remain divided. Some have accepted the explanation, suggesting it was an innocent act of friendship, while others maintain that being a celebrity requires heightened responsibility in public spaces. The Bengaluru Police have not yet received any formal complaints regarding the incident, leaving the matter largely confined to social media debate for now.
