Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, is finally stepping into Bollywood as a director. His debut web series The Bads of Bollywood premiered today, September 18, 2025, on Netflix at 12:30 pm. The show is co-created and co-written by Aryan Khan, Bilal Siddiqi, and Manav Chauhan. Gauri Khan has produced the project under Red Chillies Entertainment.
The series has been described as genre-defying, mixing satire, self-awareness, and cheeky humor. With a star-studded cast led by Lakshya, the show is already drawing wide attention across India and abroad.
Kajol Shares Pictures from the Premiere
Kajol posted several pictures from the premiere night on her social media. Her presence at the event underlined the immense support Aryan Khan has received from Bollywood’s established stars. The premiere in Mumbai was a glittering event attended by big names from the industry.
Raghav Juyal’s Experience with Shah Rukh Khan
Actor Raghav Juyal, part of the series, recalled his unique interaction with Shah Rukh Khan during the trailer launch. He explained why he was seen on the phone while touching SRK’s feet on stage. According to Raghav, Aryan Khan had suggested this playful act. He said he has always admired Shah Rukh Khan as a human being and artist. Raghav credited SRK as a lifelong inspiration, adding that dreams can be achieved with passion.
Anya Singh, who plays Sanya, the manager of superstar Aasmaan Singh (played by Lakshya), also spoke about her enriching experience working on the project.
Bobby Deol Sees Aryan Like His Own Son
Bobby Deol plays superstar Ajay Talwar in The Bads of Bollywood. At the trailer launch, Bobby shared emotional words about Aryan Khan. He said watching Shah Rukh Khan introduce his son’s series reminded him of his own early career. Bobby compared Aryan to his own children and praised SRK for supporting his son’s debut just as Dharmendra and Sunny Deol had once supported him. He called it a deeply emotional and special moment.
Netflix’s Big Expectations
Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, described September as a dream month. She emphasized that Aryan Khan and other young talents like Ahaan Panday are reshaping Indian entertainment. She noted that Aryan is making his mark as a showrunner with The Bads of Bollywood, while Netflix is also launching Saiyaara, one of its biggest romantic films.
Netflix has positioned Aryan Khan’s series as one of its flagship projects for the year, expecting high viewership and positive reviews.
Lakshya on Playing Aasmaan Singh
Actor Lakshya, who rose to fame with his film Kill, plays the lead role in The Bads of Bollywood. He portrays Aasmaan Singh, an ambitious outsider determined to succeed in the Hindi film industry.
Lakshya revealed that he auditioned for the role while shooting for Kill. He shared that the audition scene, where the line “Taare to bahut hai, par Aasmaan ek hai” appears, felt deeply personal. Lakshya connected with the character’s hunger for success, saying it reminded him of his own journey to Mumbai and the fire he carried inside.
Karan Johar’s Message for Aryan Khan
Filmmaker Karan Johar extended warm wishes to Aryan Khan through a heartfelt note. He praised Aryan’s determination, passion, and individual storytelling style. Johar expressed pride, saying he had seen Aryan work tirelessly for over two years. He also humorously thanked Aryan for giving him a role in the series, adding that he had secretly wished for the opportunity. Karan ended by writing, “Series toh ban gayi beta… picture abhi baaki hai.”
Bollywood Stars at the Premiere
The premiere event saw a dazzling turnout of celebrities. Ananya Panday posed for photographers, drawing attention with her glamorous appearance. Kajol, Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt were among the attendees. Salman Khan’s nephews Arhaan Khan and Nirvaan Khan also came to support Aryan.
The event became a celebration of Aryan’s new journey, with stars from different generations showing solidarity. Social media was filled with pictures and videos from the red carpet.
First Reviews Appear Online
Initial reviews have started to pour in. Filmmaker Rahul Dholakia tweeted praise for Aryan’s show, calling it entertaining and spoof-like. He congratulated Aryan, Bilal Siddiqi, and Manav Chauhan for their writing and creativity. Dholakia also applauded Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan for nurturing Aryan’s vision. He noted that the project took nearly six years of effort to shape.
Rahul called the series a winner, emphasizing the strength of the writing and direction.
Farah Khan’s Special Wish
Choreographer Farah Khan, who worked on a song for the series, shared her excitement online. She described Aryan Khan as the sweetest, most hardworking director she has collaborated with. Farah wished him love, success, and blessings from the “movie gods,” expressing confidence in his talent.
A Fresh Direction for Bollywood Storytelling
The Bads of Bollywood marks a significant moment for the industry. Aryan Khan’s choice to focus on satire and self-awareness distinguishes his work from traditional Bollywood dramas. By exploring the darker, humorous, and ambitious sides of the film industry, the series presents a refreshing narrative style.
Industry observers believe Aryan’s debut reflects a generational shift. The younger wave of filmmakers, including Aryan, is redefining storytelling with bolder themes and experimental formats.
Family’s Role in Aryan’s Journey
While Aryan Khan has chosen a career behind the camera, his family’s influence is undeniable. Shah Rukh Khan introduced the show at its trailer launch, symbolizing fatherly support. Gauri Khan’s role as producer through Red Chillies Entertainment was also pivotal. Together, the Khan family has shaped Aryan’s debut, ensuring that he had the resources and confidence to present his vision.
The Road Ahead for Aryan Khan
The success of The Bads of Bollywood will likely define Aryan’s future in the industry. If well-received, it could establish him as one of the most promising young directors in India. With Netflix’s global reach, Aryan has the chance to create an international reputation early in his career.
For fans and critics, the series will be a test of whether Aryan can step out of his father’s shadow and build his own cinematic identity.
The release of The Bads of Bollywood is more than just a new show on Netflix. It is the story of a young filmmaker carving his own path in a competitive industry. Backed by his family, supported by Bollywood celebrities, and driven by his personal passion, Aryan Khan has launched his creative journey.
The positive early reviews, enthusiastic celebrity turnout, and Netflix’s confidence all point towards a promising future. Whether The Bads of Bollywood becomes a long-term hit or a cult classic, it has already established Aryan Khan as a bold new voice in Indian cinema.
