A mountain of troubles fell on Amitabh Bachchan, he was fined lakhs of rupees, bad news came to his family……

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A Mountain of Troubles for Amitabh Bachchan: Hefty Fines on Luxury Cars Spark Controversy

Bengaluru, India | July 2025 — Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan is no stranger to the limelight, but this time, the headlines spell trouble. In a surprising turn of events, the Bengaluru Transport Department has slapped hefty fines totaling ₹3.8 million (₹38 lakh) on two luxurious Rolls-Royce cars previously owned by Amitabh Bachchan and fellow superstar Aamir Khan. The news has not only shocked fans but also raised crucial questions about celebrity car ownership, tax compliance, and the responsibilities of new owners.

The Fines That Rocked Bollywood

The story began when Bengaluru’s Transport Department launched an inspection drive targeting high-end vehicles with out-of-state registrations. Among the cars flagged were two Rolls-Royce models—one previously owned by Amitabh Bachchan, the other by Aamir Khan. The fines imposed were staggering: ₹1.5 lakh on Bachchan’s former Rolls-Royce Phantom and an eye-watering ₹19.5 lakh on Aamir Khan’s ex-Rolls-Royce Ghost. Combined, the penalties amount to ₹38 lakh, making this one of the largest fines ever imposed on private luxury vehicles in the city.

But the controversy does not end there. The spotlight soon shifted to the current owner of the cars, Bengaluru businessman Yusuf Sharif, popularly known as “KGF Babu”—a reference to the blockbuster Kannada film “KGF.” Sharif, a real estate tycoon with a penchant for collecting rare automobiles, had purchased the Phantom from Bachchan and the Ghost from Khan. However, a crucial legal step was overlooked: the registration of these vehicles was never transferred to his name.

How Did the Fines Come About?

The issue began when transport officials noticed these luxury cars still bore Maharashtra number plates, despite being driven in Karnataka for years. According to Indian law, any vehicle brought into another state must have its registration transferred and local road taxes paid if it remains in the new state for over a year. Failure to comply is considered a violation, subject to heavy fines.

Upon investigation, authorities discovered that both the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost had been operating in Bengaluru well beyond the permitted period without paying the required Karnataka road tax. The Phantom had been in the city since 2021, and the Ghost arrived in 2023. Both cars continued to display Maharashtra plates, triggering suspicion and subsequent inspection.

While the Phantom was initially exempt from state tax in 2021 due to special provisions, that exemption no longer applied. With the period of exemption over and local taxes unpaid, the department had no choice but to levy penalties as per the law.

Old Owners, New Problems

What makes the situation particularly complex is that, on paper, Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan are still listed as the official owners of the cars. Since Yusuf Sharif did not complete the legal transfer of ownership, all official documents—including registration certificates and tax records—still bear the names of the Bollywood icons.

This bureaucratic oversight means that, technically, the fines and legal notices are addressed to Bachchan and Khan, even though they have not owned the cars for years. The situation has caused confusion, legal wrangling, and a barrage of questions from both the media and the public.

Who Is Yusuf Sharif, the New Owner?

Yusuf Sharif, or “KGF Babu,” is a well-known figure in Bengaluru’s business and social circles. A self-made millionaire, Sharif has a reputation for amassing a fleet of rare and expensive cars. Over the years, he has purchased several vehicles previously owned by celebrities, adding to his collection of Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and Lamborghinis.

According to sources, Sharif bought the Rolls-Royce Phantom from Amitabh Bachchan and the Ghost from Aamir Khan through private sales. However, in his eagerness to acquire these luxury vehicles, he neglected to complete the official process of transferring ownership—a step that requires updating the registration at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and paying the appropriate road taxes.

Legal Loopholes and Celebrity Accountability

The incident has sparked debate about the responsibilities of both sellers and buyers in high-value car transactions. While the law is clear that the new owner must transfer the registration and pay applicable taxes, the reality is often murkier. Many celebrity vehicles change hands through private deals, and administrative delays or oversights can leave the original owner liable for violations committed by the new owner.

Legal experts point out that, while Bachchan and Khan may not be directly at fault, they remain accountable in the eyes of the law until the transfer process is completed. “The Motor Vehicles Act states that the seller must notify the RTO of the sale, and the buyer must apply for transfer within 14 days,” explains advocate Priya Menon. “If either party fails, the original owner is still considered responsible for any legal infractions.”

Public Reaction: Shock, Sympathy, and Criticism

The news of Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan facing hefty fines quickly went viral on social media. Fans expressed shock and sympathy, with many arguing that the stars were being unfairly dragged into a bureaucratic mess. Others criticized the celebrities for not ensuring that the transfer process was completed properly.

“Why should Amitabh Bachchan pay for someone else’s mistake?” tweeted one fan. “He sold the car years ago. The authorities should go after the current owner.”

However, some commentators argued that celebrities, by virtue of their influence and resources, should set an example by following all legal protocols. “If the rich and famous can’t follow the rules, what message does it send to ordinary people?” wrote another user.

The Bigger Picture: Tax Evasion and Luxury Cars

The incident has also highlighted a broader issue: the widespread practice of using out-of-state registrations to evade high local taxes on luxury vehicles. Karnataka, like several other Indian states, imposes steep road taxes on expensive cars. To avoid these fees, many owners keep their vehicles registered in states with lower taxes, even after moving them to cities like Bengaluru.

Transport officials have vowed to crack down on this practice, launching a citywide drive to identify and penalize violators. “We are not targeting celebrities,” said a senior official from the Bengaluru Transport Department. “Our goal is to ensure compliance with the law and prevent tax evasion, regardless of who the owner is.”

Amitabh Bachchan’s Response: Silence Amidst the Storm

As of now, Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan have not issued official statements regarding the fines. Sources close to the actors suggest that they were unaware of the ongoing violations until the news broke. Both are said to be consulting legal teams to resolve the matter and ensure that their names are cleared from the records.

The incident comes at a difficult time for Bachchan, who has reportedly been facing a series of personal and professional challenges. While details remain private, sources say that the news of the fines has added to the family’s stress.

What Happens Next?

The Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost have been impounded by Bengaluru authorities pending payment of the fines and completion of the registration transfer. Yusuf Sharif, the current owner, has been summoned to appear before the Transport Department and provide all relevant documents. If he fails to comply, the cars could be seized permanently or auctioned to recover the unpaid taxes.

Legal experts believe that Bachchan and Khan will eventually be cleared of responsibility, provided they can prove the sale and notify the RTO of the transfer. However, the process could take weeks or even months, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Lessons for Car Buyers and Sellers

The incident serves as a cautionary tale for anyone buying or selling high-value vehicles in India. Both parties must ensure that the transfer of ownership is completed promptly, all taxes are paid, and the registration is updated at the local RTO. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines, legal complications, and unwanted publicity.

As advocate Priya Menon notes, “It’s not enough to simply hand over the keys and sign a sale agreement. The paperwork must be done, and the authorities must be notified. Otherwise, the consequences can be severe.”

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for the Elite

The saga of Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and the Rolls-Royce fines is more than just a celebrity scandal—it’s a wake-up call for the rich and famous, and for anyone involved in high-value transactions. In an age where transparency and accountability are increasingly demanded, even the most powerful are not above the law.

For now, the spotlight remains on Bengaluru, where two of Bollywood’s biggest stars have found themselves entangled in a web of legal troubles—not for what they own, but for what they once owned, and for paperwork left undone.

As the investigation continues and the fines are contested, one thing is clear: in India’s rapidly changing society, no one—not even a superstar—can afford to ignore the rules.

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