The Netflix hit is Aryan Khan’s impactful debut as a new-age storyteller with an emerging cinematic voice.
Aryan Khan Enters as a New-Age Creator
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan walks tall behind the camera with Netflix’s The Bads of Bollywood. Directed by Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., the seven-episode series is co-created and scripted by Aryan Khan, Bilal Siddiqui, and Manav Chauhan.
Since its launch on September 18, 2025, the series has topped the charts — reaching Netflix’s Global Top 10 for non-English shows and achieving the No. 1 position in South Asia.
Inside Bollywood’s Glamour and Grit
The series tracks Aasmaan Singh (Lakshya) and his friends as they pursue aspirations through the glamour and the grit of the Bollywood industry. It’s an unapologetic, heart-wrenching journey — abundant in ambition, heartbreak, and the madness of fame.
Aryan characterizes the show as “equal parts drama, romance, and satire.” He continues, “We can do an action sequence, break your heart with a death, and then suddenly turn romantic. That’s what makes storytelling fun — it’s unpredictable.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s Influence Runs Deep
Aryan gives credit to his father for lighting his creative fire at a young age. “My dad is heavily involved in all aspects of filmmaking — from VFX to camera work,” he says. “Growing up, he would teach me how to create movie magic. It was like seeing a trick before your very eyes.”
This initial exposure instilled in Aryan a passion for direction. “I’ve always liked being behind the camera. You have more control, and when you love what you do, it ceases to feel like work,” he explains.
A Genre-Bending Story with Heart
Aryan and his team worked on the series to change and grow with each episode. “The first three episodes are cheerful. Then it gets emotional and intense. At the end, you really care about the characters,” he describes.
The structure enabled them to try different genres easily. “Because the show is set in the film industry, we were able to mix tones — drama, comedy, tragedy — all together,” Aryan adds.
Not Imitation — Reflection
The Bads of Bollywood doesn’t imitate the industry; it reflects it. With acerbic writing, deep feeling, and cinematic panache, Aryan’s vision mirrors Bollywood’s contradictions — its beauty, disorganization, and vulnerability.
Streaming Now on Netflix
With its blend of emotion, ambition, and raw honesty, Aryan Khan’s first series is a breath of fresh air when it comes to fame and storytelling.
Stream The Bads of Bollywood now, only on Netflix.
