On September 18, 2025, Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, made his directorial debut with the Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. This seven-episode satirical action-comedy drama offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Bollywood film industry, blending humor, drama, and bold commentary.
What is The Ba***ds of Bollywood?
The Ba***ds of Bollywood is a satirical series that delves into the chaotic and often absurd world of the Hindi film industry. The show follows Aasmaan Singh (Lakshya), an ambitious outsider who navigates the industry’s complexities, including nepotism, politics, and personal dilemmas. The series offers a humorous yet critical perspective on Bollywood’s inner workings.
Who is in the Cast?
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Lakshya as Aasmaan Singh: The protagonist, an outsider trying to make it in Bollywood.
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Sahher Bambba as Karishma Talwar: A star kid who becomes Aasmaan’s love interest.
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Bobby Deol as Ajay Talwar: Karishma’s father and a prominent figure in the industry.
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Raghav Juyal as Parvaiz: Aasmaan’s best friend who adds comic relief.
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Mona Singh as Neeta Singh: Aasmaan’s supportive mother.
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Manoj Pahwa as Avtaar Singh: Aasmaan’s uncle who offers guidance.
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Gautami Kapoor as Anu Talwar: Karishma’s mother.
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Anya Singh as Sanya: Aasmaan’s manager.
The series also features cameos by Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Ranbir Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Badshah, Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Sara Ali Khan, S. S. Rajamouli, Disha Patani, Orry Awatramani, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Rajkummar Rao, Neelam Kothari, Bhavana Pandey, Seema Sajdeh, Shalini Passi, Shanaya Kapoor, Maheep Kapoor, Shakti Kapoor, Gulshan Grover, and Ranjeet.
Release & Platform
The series premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2025. It consists of seven episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 30 minutes. The show is available for streaming in Hindi and is accessible to international audiences.
Plot Summary
The series follows Aasmaan Singh, an outsider who dreams of making it big in Bollywood. His journey is filled with challenges, including dealing with nepotism, navigating industry politics, and facing personal dilemmas. The narrative is a satirical take on the industry’s inner workings, offering a humorous yet critical perspective.
Themes & Real-Life References
The Ba**ds of Bollywood* delves into several real-life events and controversies within the film industry:
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Nepotism: The series addresses the ongoing debate about the lack of opportunities for outsiders versus easy access for “nepo kids” of unproven talent.
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Sameer Wankhede: A character in the series is modeled after the former NCB officer, reflecting the 2021 cruise drug raid incident.
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#MeToo Movement: The impact of the #MeToo movement on Bollywood is subtly addressed.
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Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar Fallout: The series includes a reference to the fallout between actor Kartik Aaryan and filmmaker Karan Johar.
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Ranveer Singh and Karan Johar Scheduling Conflict: A parallel is drawn to the scheduling conflict involving Ranveer Singh and Karan Johar around the film Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.
Reception & Reviews
The series has received mixed reviews from critics:
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Hindustan Times: Rated the show 3 stars, praising Aryan Khan’s direction and the show’s entertainment value, but noting that it leaves some depth to be desired.
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India Forums: Gave the series a 3.5/5 rating, describing it as a “messy, corny, chaotic, but also wildly entertaining” debut.
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Indian Express: Criticized the series for lacking self-awareness and not being fun enough, suggesting that it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential.
Interesting Facts & Cameos
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Emraan Hashmi’s Cameo: Emraan Hashmi’s cameo appearance has captured widespread attention online, becoming one of the most talked-about moments. The series features a star-studded cast, and despite the impressive lineup, it is Emraan Hashmi’s scenes that have gone viral and been hailed by netizens as the “best scene” of the series.
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Celebrity Cameos: The series includes cameos from several Bollywood celebrities, adding to its authenticity.
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Behind-the-Scenes Trivia: The series offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of Bollywood, providing viewers with an insider’s perspective.
Conclusion
The Ba**ds of Bollywood* marks a bold and ambitious debut for Aryan Khan, offering a satirical and humorous look at the film industry’s inner workings. While the series has received mixed reviews, it has sparked conversations about the industry’s dynamics and the challenges faced by outsiders. With its blend of humor, drama, and real-life references, the series provides an entertaining yet critical perspective on Bollywood.
FAQs
Q1: Where can I watch The Bads of Bollywood*?**
A1: The series is available for streaming on Netflix.
Q2: How many episodes are there in the series?
A2: There are seven episodes in the first season.
Q3: Is the series suitable for all audiences?
A3: The series contains mature themes and language, making it suitable for adult audiences.
Q4: Does the series feature real-life Bollywood celebrities?
A4: Yes, the series includes cameos from several Bollywood celebrities, adding to its authenticity.
Q5: Is there a second season planned?
A5: As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a second season.