The Bads Of Bollywood Review: Aryan Khan’s Debut Series Blends Satire, Gossip, And Glamour To Expose Bollywood’s Secrets

Aryan Khan, in his directorial debut Ba***ds of Bollywood, accepts this challenge squarely. Instead of providing a saccharine, syrupy ode to the industry of cinema, he gives us an acid-tongued, satirical, sometimes outlandish version of how things operate backstage in Bollywood, blending rumor with fiction to produce a brash account.
The seven-part series traces the story of Aasman Singh (Lakshya), a feisty Delhi lad who sets out to make a place for himself in the cutthroat business of Bollywood. His path from a hopeful outsider to the rising star is plagued with obstacles—be it nepotism, exploitative producers, the shadow of the underworld, drugs, or the transitory nature of fame. With him is Pervaiz (Raghav Juyal), his smart buddy, and Karishma (Sahher Bamba), whose love story with Aasman gives an emotional depth. Anya Singh, Aasman's practical manager, completes the young group, with veteran actors such as Bobby Deol, Mona Singh, and Manoj Pahwa adding depth to the story.
Aryan's self-assurance as a storyteller is one of the most significant strengths of the series. He goes on a Bollywood insiders' roasting spree, including friends of his father, and all the while wickedly spoofing industry clichés. The show impresses with its cheeky humor, crisp dialogue, and undertone of satire that never gets buried in the glamour. Performances remain compelling throughout: Lakshya exudes SRK-like charm, Raghav Juyal is a gem of comic timing, and the rest of the cast makes even the predictable twists watchable. Visually, the series is chic, with colorful shots and an energetic buzz.
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Conversely, the series sometimes tries to bite off more than it can chew. In its efforts to tackle so many topics—nepotism, underworld, corruption of the media—it runs the risk of being bloated. Some sections are hasty, and the shock value-based use of profanity, while effective at times, can alienate more traditional viewers.
Overall, Aryan Khan's Ba***ds of Bollywood is a daring first book that is both fun to read and think about. It may not spin the wheel into a new direction, but its mixture of humor, glamour, and substance makes it impress and linger. This is not an ode to Bollywood—it's a scathing roast with humor and style.