Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, made his much-anticipated debut as a writer and creator with The Ba***ds of Bollywood*, which premiered on Netflix in September.
The show, created in collaboration with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, instantly became one of the most talked-about releases of the year. Its satirical take on the Hindi film industry, mixed with sharp wit and bold commentary, earned widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. While the series cleverly pokes fun at Bollywood’s glitz and chaos, Aryan and his co-creators recently revealed that the journey to bring it to life was not without its challenges.
In an interview, Aryan shared that they faced a few creative restrictions during the final stages of production. He explained that there were some moments when feedback came suggesting certain scenes might be “too much” in tone or content. Aryan, however, decided to stand by his vision, saying that not every viewer would respond to the show in the same way. According to him, a show like this is meant to appeal differently to people, some might find it relatable or funny, while others may not connect with its humour.
Aryan emphasised that although the series draws from the realities of Bollywood, it is far from a documentary. He described it as a blend of truth, exaggeration and imagination, a reflection of the industry’s glamour and contradictions. He said that what makes the show intriguing is the mix of reality and fiction, which keeps audiences guessing and engaged.
While Aryan wanted the show to be bold and self-aware, he was also conscious of maintaining respect for the film fraternity he belongs to. He admitted that many of the creative boundaries were self-imposed to ensure that the tone remained witty rather than offensive. Aryan clarified that the team’s goal was to make the show self-deprecating, not disrespectful, and that they wanted to critique the industry with affection and humour.
Bilal Siddiqi, who co-wrote the series with Aryan, explained that the creative team worked closely and intuitively, constantly refining their ideas. He said that they often had long discussions about what fit the story’s tone and what didn’t. Some ideas were dropped after much deliberation, while others felt right from the start. The writers wanted to take familiar Bollywood tropes, especially those from romantic comedies and turn them upside down to create something fresh and unpredictable.
The creators also revealed that they were conscious about avoiding over-the-top humour or slapstick elements that could reduce the show’s sophistication. They aimed for sharp, intelligent writing that would reflect Bollywood’s highs and lows without making it seem like a parody.
The response to The Ba***ds of Bollywood has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its honesty and unique storytelling. Actor Rajat Bedi, who plays Jaraj Saxena in the show, recently confirmed that the series has been renewed for a second season. Reports suggest that the new chapter will feature actors Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Mona Singh and Bobby Deol and will revolve around a twisted family drama.
With its blend of satire, realism and emotional depth, The Ba***ds of Bollywood has positioned Aryan Khan as one of the most promising new voices in Indian entertainment. As anticipation builds for the second season, fans are eager to see how Aryan and his team continue to explore the dazzling yet chaotic world of Bollywood.
