The Ba***ds of Bollywood review: Aryan Khan roasts the wonderful, wickedly incestuous industry he was born into
September 22, 2025 Dubai
The Ba*ds of Bollywood Review: Aryan Khan’s Bold Satire on Nepotism, Moguls, and Cameos**
Aryan Khan makes a daring directorial debut with The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, a glossy satire packed with nepo babies, shady moguls, witty cameos, and industry secrets.
When your father is Shah Rukh Khan, expectations are sky-high. Aryan Khan’s debut as a director, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, doesn’t shy away from addressing that very legacy. Instead, he embraces it—roasting the industry that shaped him while slyly acknowledging his own privilege.
The result? A sharp, witty, and occasionally indulgent series that blends satire, melodrama, and glossy entertainment in equal measure.
Director & Cast
Director: Aryan Khan
Cast: Lakshya Lalwani, Saher Bambba, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Bobby Deol, Mona Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Manish Chaudhari, Emraan Hashmi (cameo), and a special appearance by Shah Rukh Khan.
A Satirical Take on Bollywood
From the first episode, Aryan makes it clear: this isn’t just another glitzy Bollywood drama. It’s a self-aware satire about nepotism, power games, and the unspoken rules of India’s film industry.
Karan Johar is portrayed as a sharp-tongued mogul who thrives on launching “nepo babies.”
Lakshya Lalwani shines as the hungry outsider, desperate to crack Bollywood’s inner circle.
Saher Bambba plays the silver-spoon star kid with just enough sparkle to make you root for her, even as she flaunts privilege.
Anya Singh, as the loyal manager, feels like a nod to SRK’s real-life confidante Pooja Dadlani.
Bobby Deol, affectionately dubbed “Lord Bobby,” steps into an SRK-inspired superstar role. His protective father act, guarding his daughter against an ambitious outsider, lands perfectly.
Cameos & Meta Jokes
This is where Aryan’s access really pays off. The show is peppered with cameos that range from hilarious to jaw-dropping.
Emraan Hashmi appears as himself, leaning into his “serial kisser” persona in a side-splitting scene with Raghav Juyal.
And yes—Shah Rukh Khan himself makes a cameo. It’s indulgent, but also inevitable. After all, Bollywood thrives on self-referential spectacle.
These appearances give the show the feel of a high-stakes industry roast, where everyone is in on the joke.
Standout Performances
While the ensemble works well together, a few performances stand out:
Raghav Juyal nearly steals the show. His comic timing and street-smart rescues bring much-needed levity.
Lakshya Lalwani delivers a convincing arc as the defiant outsider battling privilege with grit.
Bobby Deol commands the screen with swagger and emotional depth.
Even the supporting cast—like Saher’s bratty brother—adds charm, ensuring that no role feels wasted.
Strengths & Weaknesses
✅ What Works:
Bold satire of Bollywood’s nepotism and power dynamics
Strong ensemble cast with standout comedic moments
Clever writing that mixes melodrama with meta humor
High-gloss production and binge-worthy pacing
❌ Where It Falters:
The plot can feel predictable at times
Some product placements are glaring
Certain twists veer into soap-opera territory
But then again, isn’t that Bollywood at its core—larger-than-life, over-the-top, and always entertaining?
Aryan Khan’s Directorial Voice
The biggest surprise is Aryan Khan’s control as a first-time director. He manages to extract solid performances, balance satire with sentiment, and keep the narrative flowing. Still, one can’t help but wonder: did Aryan really helm every frame, or was there an experienced hand guiding in the background?
That ambiguity only adds to the mystique—and the fun.
Verdict
The Ba**ds of Bollywood* isn’t flawless, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s bold, glossy, and unapologetically playful, offering viewers an insider’s wink at an industry that thrives on spectacle.
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