Picture: Netflix
Nepotism is a hot topic among Hindi-film fans, with debates raging about the lack of opportunities for outsiders versus easy access for “nepo kids” of unproven talent. Netflix’s latest Original Hindi series The Ba***ds of Bollywood is about a newcomer trying to break into Bollywood, and it’s directed by a first-time showrunner with some enviable industry connections: Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Aryan is the second of Shah Rukh’s kids to launch with the help of Netflix. Suhana Khan — Aryan’s younger sister — made her acting debut in 2023’s The Archies (along with fellow star kids Khushi Kapoor and Agastya Nanda). Aryan graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts in 2020 and has done some voice acting since then, along with directing advertisements for a clothing brand he founded.
While Aryan directs and serves as showrunner for The Ba***ds of Bollywood, this isn’t a solo project. Bilal Siddiqui (Bard of Blood) and newcomer Manav Chauhan are credited as co-writers and co-creators. The series is produced by Gauri Khan (Aryan’s mother) for Red Chillies Entertainment, a production house started by her and Shah Rukh.
Speaking with Firstpost, Raghav Juyal reflected on the energy and atmosphere of Aryan Khan’s directorial debut for Netflix. “It was a collaborative effort, and there was a lot of young energy on the sets. It felt like we all were making a project in college,” he said, adding that “Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan, everyone treated us with a lot of respect on the sets and at home.”
Juyal also highlighted the camaraderie with co-star Lakshya, explaining, “It was very easy for the two of us to show this bond in the show because this is how we are. We crack a lot of jokes and understand each other’s humor. We take care of each other.” On his approach to acting, he stressed, “I’m consciously choosing roles that move me from inside. Only then you will be able to move the audience.” Calling Aryan Khan’s project a brave risk, Juyal noted, “He made the show exactly how he wanted to make it,” and admitted that his excitement and nervousness are now fully focused on the series’ release.
Finally, we should note the soundtrack of The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which is created in collaboration with T-Series. Led by composer Shashwat Sachdev, with contributions from guest composers Anirudh Ravichander and Ujwal Gupta, the album sets a vibrant tone. The opening track, “Badli Si Hawa Hai,” composed by Ravichander and sung by Arijit Singh and Amira Gill, has already resonated with fans as a youthful anthem full of energy. Joining it on the playlist, “Tu Pehli Tu Aakhri,” composed, produced, and arranged by Sachdev with vocals from Arijit Singh, has only intensified the buzz, with both songs heightening excitement ahead of the series’ grand debut.
Picture: Netflix
What is the plot of The Ba***ds of Bollywood?
Here’s how Netflix describes the plot of The Ba***ds of Bollywood:
At its heart, the series follows Aasmaan Singh (Lakshya), an ambitious newcomer with dreams as big as the silver screen. With his loyal best friend Parvaiz (Raghav Juyal), sharp-tongued manager Sanya (Anya Singh), and his ever-supportive family by his side — his uncle Avtar (Manoj Pahwa), mother Neeta Singh (Mona Singh), and father Rajat Singh (Vijayant Kohli) — Aasmaan steps into the world of glitter and grit.
He is soon to find that dreams come at a price, especially when ambition and ego collide. Aasmaan finds himself up against his biggest challenge yet, superstar Ajay Talvar (Bobby Deol), when he is cast opposite his daughter, Bollywood newcomer Karishma (Sahher Bambba). Throw the shrewd producer Freddy Sodawallah (Manish Chaudhari) into the mix, along with Jaraj Saxena (Rajat Bedi), a yesteryear actor desperate for a comeback, and what follows is a sharp, self-aware saga, set against the irresistible spectacle of Hindi cinema.
What does “Ba***ds” in the title actually mean? No one is quite sure. “Bastards” seems like the obvious choice, but that would require another asterisk to fit. Maybe the ambiguity is intentional.
Who is cast in The Ba***ds of Bollywood?
Lakshya (Kill) stars as Aasmaan Singh, an industry outsider and up-and-coming actor.
Sahher Bambba (Dil Bekaraar) plays Karishma Talvar, a star kid making her debut.
Bobby Deol (Class of ’83) is Karishma’s famous, ruthless father, Ajay.
The series features at least 47 cameos by actors, musicians, and other industry luminaries. Notably, the series marks the first time that “The Three Khans” — superstars Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir (no relation to one another) — appear together in a work of fiction.
The show has seven episodes and a TV-MA rating in the United States. Netflix offers the new series with the following audio and subtitle options: English (India), English (United States), Hindi – Audio Description, Hindi [Original], Kannada, Malayalam, Polish, Tamil, Telugu.
You can see more of Netflix’s upcoming TV and movie slate from India scheduled to arrive throughout the remainder of the year and into 2026 in the link provided.
Are you excited for The Ba***ds of Bollywood? Let us know in the comments below!
