Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is facing allegations of posting a "paid review" after showering praise on Aryan Khan's new Netflix series, The Ba*ds of Bollywood. The show, directed by Aryan Khan and produced by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment, has garnered attention for its satirical take on the Bollywood film industry, celebrity cameos, and ambitious storytelling.
Tharoor, known for his eloquence, shared his enthusiastic review of the series on social media, calling it "absolute #OTT GOLD". He mentioned that he watched the show on the recommendation of his sister, Smita Tharoor, while recovering from a cold. He lauded the show's sharp writing, fearless direction, and audacious satire, stating that it was "just what Bollywood needed". He also directly praised Aryan Khan for delivering a "masterpiece" and congratulated Shah Rukh Khan, saying he "must be so proud!!".
However, Tharoor's glowing review was met with skepticism from some social media users, with one commenting, "Shashi Tharoor's new side business – paid reviews!". The Congress leader swiftly responded to the allegation, firmly denying any financial motivation behind his praise. "I'm not for sale, my friend," Tharoor wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "No opinion I express has ever been paid for by anybody, in cash or in kind".
The Ba*ds of Bollywood, which premiered on Netflix last month, features a star-studded cast, including Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, and Raghav Juyal. The series also includes numerous surprise appearances by Bollywood stars. The show has also entered Netflix's global Top 10 list for non-English series.
The series has not been without controversy. Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation case against Netflix and the show, claiming that a character in the series parodies him. Despite the controversy, the show continues to attract attention for its wit and perspective on Bollywood.
Tharoor's review, alongside the enthusiasm of viewers, highlights the show's impact on audiences and the ongoing conversations within the entertainment industry.
Some social media users have also speculated that Tharoor may have used ChatGPT to write his review, pointing to the excessive use of dashes and the style of writing. Some found it ironic that someone known for his extensive vocabulary would resort to AI.
Despite the allegations and controversies, The Ba*ds of Bollywood remains a talking point, and Shashi Tharoor's reaction has only added fuel to the fire.
