By Manisha Sahu, America News World
Sept 26, 2025
Netflix’s latest series, Ba*ds of Bollywood, brings a refreshing, satirical lens to the glamorous yet chaotic world of Indian cinema. Marked by debutant Aryan Khan’s sharp insight and anchored by veteran actor Bobby Deol, the seven-episode series is a witty, irreverent, and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of Bollywood’s glitz, gossip, and hypocrisy.
While social media has shrunk the gap between Bollywood stars and their fans, curiosity about what happens behind the camera continues to thrive. Directors such as Farah Khan, Zoya Akhtar, and Karan Johar have previously capitalized on this fascination through films and talk shows that offer glimpses into industry secrets. Ba*ds of Bollywood picks up this thread but with a more satirical, subversive edge, exposing the contradictions and chaos of the movie world in a way that is as entertaining as it is incisive.
Aryan Khan, leveraging his insider access through his father Shah Rukh Khan’s colleagues and friends, does not craft a mere homage. Instead, he delivers playful, bold critiques that mock the very industry he inhabits. From spoofing detractors to creatively lampooning his father’s peers, Aryan infuses the series with a humor that is edgy but never alienating. The series culminates in a surprising twist, reminiscent of the dramatic flair of Manmohan Desai films, giving the narrative a satisfying, unpredictable conclusion. This insider self-awareness sets Ba*ds of Bollywood apart from films like Tees Maar Khan, while offering more vibrancy than Luck By Chance and more narrative weight than Om Shanti Om.
At its core, the series follows Aasman Singh (played by Lakshya), an outsider from Delhi who navigates the labyrinthine world of Bollywood to chase stardom. In a high-paced narrative, Aryan tackles themes like nepotism, predatory producers, underworld influences, media manipulation, substance abuse, and the fleeting nature of fame. The language is unflinchingly raw, yet it carries emotional depth and relatability. Beneath the shimmer and satire lies a grounded exploration of perseverance, ambition, and the human cost of chasing dreams.
Lakshya’s portrayal of Aasman evokes a young Shah Rukh Khan, complete with cheeky charm, clever repartees, and resilience in the face of adversity. The dynamic between Aasman and his confidant Pervaiz (Raghav Juyal) provides both humor and heart, while his chemistry with Karishma (Sahher Bamba) adds a romantic spark that feels authentic. Supporting roles by Anya Singh, as Aasman’s effervescent manager, add layers of charm and credibility to the story, ensuring even predictable sequences remain engaging.
The series’ true revelation, however, is Bobby Deol. Returning to a role that allows him to flex his natural acting range, Deol delivers a powerhouse performance as Ajay Talwar, a reigning star desperate to control the narrative around his daughter Karishma’s entry into films. Mona Singh impresses as the loving but determined mother, and Manish Choudhary elevates the haughty producer trope beyond caricature. Manoj Pahwa, as the disillusioned uncle, adds a touch of grounded realism that balances the series’ flamboyance.
Ba*ds of Bollywood also features cleverly coded appearances by Bollywood heavyweights like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, S.S. Rajamouli, Ranveer Singh, Arshad Warsi, and Shah Rukh Khan, blending seamlessly into the storyline. Complementing the narrative is a pulsating score by Anirudh Ravichander and Shashwat Sachdev, oscillating between high-energy beats and contemplative melodies that accentuate both drama and comedy.
In all, Ba*ds of Bollywood is a rare blend of satire, insider perspective, and emotional resonance. It entertains, critiques, and surprises, offering a fresh lens on an industry often idealized yet rife with contradictions. Aryan Khan emerges not just as a scion of Bollywood royalty, but as a storyteller capable of crafting subversive, clever narratives that hold a mirror to the very industry that shaped him.
Ba*ds of Bollywood is streaming now on Netflix, and it is a must-watch for anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes realities of the world’s most colorful film industry.