New Delhi: Even while down with a stubborn cold and cough, Congress MP and author Shashi Tharoor found himself captivated by Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Bads of Bollywood, streaming on Netflix India. Encouraged by his staff and sister Smita Tharoor to take a break, Tharoor decided to give the seven-episode satire a chance—and he’s glad he did.
Tharoor calls series “one of the best things I have ever treated myself to”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor described The Bads of Bollywood as “absolute #OTT GOLD,” praising its witty writing, bold direction, and audacious tone. He said the series might take time to grow on viewers but once it does, “you’re completely hooked.”
Calling it a “genius, often hilarious, sometimes moving look behind Bollywood’s glamorous curtain,” Tharoor applauded the show for fearlessly skewering cinematic clichés while delivering a layered, insider’s perspective on the film industry.
“The writing is sharp, the direction is fearless, and the sheer audacity of this satire is just what Bollywood needed,” Tharoor wrote, urging audiences to give it a watch.
Praise for Aryan Khan’s storytelling and satire
Tharoor was particularly impressed by Aryan Khan’s control over tone and storytelling finesse. He called the 27-year-old director a “true storytelling powerhouse” who effortlessly blends humour, emotion, and social commentary.
He also added a personal note to Aryan’s father, superstar Shah Rukh Khan, writing: “From one father to another, let me say: you must be so proud!!”
The Congress leader’s enthusiastic endorsement quickly gained traction on social media, with fans lauding both his candid appreciation and Aryan’s debut effort.
Aryan Khan on stepping into direction
In an interview with Variety, Aryan Khan opened up about why he chose to stay behind the camera instead of following his father’s footsteps as an actor. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve preferred telling stories,” he said. “I always felt I had a lot to say, and I could tell it in a different, interesting way.”
Aryan added that directing gives him a sense of creative control and joy that acting might not. “There’s more control behind the camera, and you enjoy it more. It stops feeling like a job—you actually look forward to it every day.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s influence behind the scenes
Aryan credited his father for his early exposure to filmmaking. “My father is incredibly knowledgeable about every aspect of filmmaking—VFX, lighting, camera work—you name it,” Aryan shared.
He recalled how Shah Rukh would demystify movie magic for him as a child. “Even as a kid, he would show me, ‘This is how it happens; you don’t actually get shot like that.’ That’s how I learned the craft, and it’s something I carry with me every day.”
Industry buzz around The Bads of Bollywood
Since its release, The Bads of Bollywood has become one of Netflix India’s most talked-about shows. The series, which offers a satirical peek into the chaos, egos, and ambitions that drive the Hindi film industry, has sparked discussions for its fearless writing and biting humour.
Veteran producers and actors have also praised Aryan’s confidence as a debutant director. Rajiv Rai, known for producing Gupt, recently revealed that he let Aryan use his iconic track “Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela” for free, saying, “Shah Rukh Khan offered money, but I refused—it was my gift to Aryan.”
Tharoor’s post resonates online
Tharoor’s endorsement struck a chord with both cinema lovers and political followers. Many fans lauded his openness to new-age storytelling and his balanced critique. Others pointed out how refreshing it was to see a public figure celebrating creative art amid his busy political life.
As The Bads of Bollywood continues to trend, Aryan Khan’s directorial debut appears to have found both critical acclaim and celebrity endorsement. For Shashi Tharoor, it wasn’t just a weekend watch—it was a celebration of India’s evolving cinematic voice.