Aryan Khan's directorial debut with the web series "The Ba***ds of Bollywood" has been making waves, not just for its satirical take on the film industry but also for the anecdotes emerging from the set about the young director's interactions with his father, superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Contrary to expectations of a casual, informal dynamic, sources reveal that Aryan maintained a respectful distance from his father on set. Choreographer Mudassar Khan noted that Aryan addressed Shah Rukh Khan as "Sir" and always sought permission before offering any direction or input. This professional approach reportedly impressed many on the set, highlighting Aryan's commitment to his role as director and his respect for his father's stature.
Shah Rukh Khan himself has addressed the possibility of working with Aryan in the future, stating with his characteristic wit, "If he can afford me!!! And my tantrums". He also revealed that he did a cameo in "The Ba***ds of Bollywood". When asked which character he related to most in the series, Shah Rukh Khan said, "Ghante ka Badshah obviously!", referring to a line in the show.
Farah Khan shared insights into Aryan's casting choices for "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," revealing that Aryan had been "obsessed" with actor Rajat Bedi since childhood. She recounted asking Aryan how he decided to cast Rajat, to which he replied that he had watched his movies since childhood.
The series, which premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2025, is a satire about an outsider, Aasmaan Singh, trying to establish himself in the Bollywood industry. He faces challenges from producers, the mafia, and the superstar Ajay Talvar. The cast includes Lakshay Lalwani as Aasmaan Singh and Bobby Deol as Ajay Talvar, along with Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambaa, and Anya Singh. The series has been lauded for Aryan Khan's unique storytelling and the performances of the cast.
However, the show has also become embroiled in controversy. Sameer Wankhede, an IRS officer, has filed a lawsuit against Shah Rukh Khan's production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Netflix, alleging that the series is a "personal vendetta" aimed at defaming him in relation to the 2021 drug case involving Aryan Khan. Wankhede claims that a character in the series is modeled after him and that the show has caused him public humiliation. Red Chillies Entertainment has denied these allegations, asserting artistic freedom and stating that the show is a situational satire that does not directly depict Wankhede.
Despite the legal issues, anticipation is high for the second season of "The Ba***ds of Bollywood". Shah Rukh Khan has shared that Aryan is working on it.
