Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, is navigating the complexities of his directorial debut, the Netflix series The Ba*ds of Bollywood, which has garnered both acclaim and controversy. The satirical comedy-drama, which premiered on September 18, 2025, has been a hit with audiences, quickly climbing to the top of Netflix's trending charts in India and sparking global conversations. However, the show has also stirred debate and legal action, most notably a defamation suit filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede.
In a recent interview, Aryan Khan addressed the show's comedic approach and its relationship to real-life events within the Bollywood industry. He emphasized the team's intention to be "self-deprecating, but not disrespectful anywhere". He explained that the team imposed "self-imposed guardrails" to ensure the humor remained respectful, acknowledging the deep respect one must have when creating content about the industry from within.
Khan underscored the importance of being able to laugh at oneself as a fundamental aspect of comedy. He noted that the people involved were very sporting, and a conscious effort was made to avoid pushing boundaries into disrespect, focusing instead on self-deprecation.
Addressing the connection between the series and reality, Khan clarified that while some scenes are inspired by "certain realities," The Ba*ds of Bollywood is not a documentary. He stated that the series deliberately exaggerates elements for entertainment purposes. “We were pushing it for screen, obviously, but obviously there'll be things that are inspired. There'll be scenes that are inspired on certain realities, and there'll be exaggerations. It’s not obviously a documentary". The series, therefore, blends real events with playful exaggeration to create a humorous and engaging narrative.
The series follows Aasmaan Singh (played by Lakshya Lalwani), an ambitious outsider navigating the dazzling yet cutthroat world of Bollywood fame, power, and politics. A mix of biting satire and emotional drama, the show peels back the layers of the industry's glamorous facade to reveal its unspoken realities. The series delves into themes such as nepotism, ambition, and the insider-outsider dynamic, presenting a raw yet witty perspective. Khan noted, “In this industry, there are many truths and many lies, often disguised as each other. That sense of mystery is what keeps audiences hooked, they may love it, hate it, or be intrigued, but they can't ignore it".
The Ba*ds of Bollywood features an ensemble cast including Lakshya, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Manish Chaudhari, Sahher Bambba, Gautami Kapoor, and Rajat Bedi. Adding to its allure are cameo appearances by Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, SS Rajamouli and Disha Patani.
The series has however, faced controversy. Sameer Wankhede, the IRS officer involved in the 2021 Cordelia cruise case where Aryan Khan was arrested, filed a defamation suit against Aryan Khan, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Netflix. Wankhede alleges that the series defames him and is seeking ₹2 crore in damages, requesting the amount be donated to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. The Delhi High Court has issued summons to the involved parties, with a hearing scheduled for October 30.
Despite the legal challenges, The Ba*ds of Bollywood continues to be a popular and critically discussed series. Aryan Khan's approach to the show, balancing self-deprecating humor with respect for the industry, has resonated with many viewers.
