Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has officially made his directorial debut with "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," a satirical series now streaming on Netflix. Co-created with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, the show offers a sharp, often irreverent, look at the inner workings of the Hindi film industry.

The series follows Aasmaan Singh, an ambitious young actor from Delhi, played by Lakshya Lalwani, as he navigates the complexities of Bollywood, dealing with ambition, nepotism, rivalries, and hidden family secrets. Aasmaan's journey includes landing a coveted role in a Karan Johar film opposite Karishma Talvar, portrayed by Sahher Bambba, the daughter of Bollywood megastar Ajay Talvar, played by Bobby Deol. This sets the stage for a tangled web of romance, rivalry, and manipulation.

"The Ba***ds of Bollywood" has garnered attention for its insider perspective, a direct result of Aryan Khan's upbringing within the industry. The series doesn't shy away from poking fun at Bollywood tropes and personalities, including Aryan himself. Meta-humor is abundant, with references to jail jokes and the paparazzi. The show also features numerous cameos from prominent Bollywood figures like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Karan Johar.

Aryan uses his access to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, addressing themes like nepotism, the influence of producers, the underworld, and the fleeting nature of fame. The series also touches upon socially responsible messages. Suhana Khan, Aryan's sister, shared a snippet from the show where a character says, "Say no to drugs," followed by "Directed by Aryan Khan".

The show has been praised for its writing, performances, and authentic portrayal of Bollywood. Bobby Deol's performance as Ajay Talwar has been particularly noted. The series has quickly gained popularity, becoming the number one show on Netflix in India.

The finale of "The Ba***ds of Bollywood" sets up potential storylines for a second season. A major plot twist reveals a connection between Ajay and Aasmaan. Freddy Sodawallah announces a new film titled "The Bastards of Bollywood," starring Ajay Talvar, Aasmaan Singh, and Karishma, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

Some critics have pointed out uneven pacing, but overall, the reception has been positive, establishing Aryan Khan as a promising new talent in Indian entertainment. "The Ba***ds of Bollywood" is produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment. The music is scored by Shashwat Sachdev.