The Bads of Bollywood

Quick Facts at a Glance

Platform & Release: Netflix, streaming worldwide from September 18, 2025.
Creator & Director: Aryan Khan, with co-creators Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan.
Production House: Red Chillies Entertainment, produced by Gauri Khan.
Main Cast: Lakshya (lead role as Aasmaan Singh), Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Mona Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Raghav Juyal, Manish Chaudhari.
Celebrity Cameos: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Karan Johar, among others.
Genre & Tone: A glossy, tongue-in-cheek satire on the highs and lows of Bollywood stardom.

Why This Series Matters

Now and then, a new show comes along that isn’t just entertainment, it’s an event. The Bads of Bollywood is exactly that.

This is Aryan Khan’s first project as a director. While many expected Shah Rukh Khan’s son to follow in his father’s footsteps and act, Aryan chose the camera instead of the spotlight. That alone has created huge curiosity.

Netflix backing the project makes it even bigger. It’s not just a local release; it’s a global launch with the potential to shape how international audiences see modern Bollywood.

The teaser promises a mix of drama, satire, and humor, shining a mirror on the glamour, gossip, and chaos that make Bollywood tick. It’s not afraid to poke fun at the industry, and that boldness is why everyone is watching.

Trailer

What Is *The Ba***ds of Bollywood*?

The series follows an ambitious outsider and his friends as they try to make it big in the unpredictable world of Bollywood.

It isn’t a typical rags-to-riches story. Instead, it looks at the industry through a satirical lens — mixing romance, betrayal, friendship, and power games with a splash of self-aware humor.

The teaser itself summed it up in a single line: “A lot of love… and a little attack.”

In short, it’s a glamorous but cheeky take on the film world, one that doesn’t shy away from showing both the sparkle and the cracks.

Episodes & Release Format

Netflix has listed the show under its drama series category. While exact episode runtimes haven’t been confirmed, it will drop as a season format all episodes available to stream on September 18, 2025.

Cast & Characters

The cast combines young, fresh faces with seasoned Bollywood names. Here’s a quick guide:

Actor	Role	Notes
Lakshya (Lalwani)	Aasmaan Singh	The lead protagonist is a newcomer chasing dreams of stardom.
Sahher Bambba	Female lead	Plays opposite Lakshya; brings romance and emotional depth.
Bobby Deol	Ajay Talvar	A superstar figure in the story, likely a rival or mentor-turned-foil.
Mona Singh	Aasmaan’s mother	Supportive but caught in family vs fame dynamics.
Manoj Pahwa	Aasmaan’s father	Traditional, grounded — adds comic warmth.
Raghav Juyal	Best friend	Known for energy and humor, likely comic relief.
Anya Singh	Manager/close friend	Represents the business side of Bollywood in the show.
Manish Chaudhari, Vijayant Kohli, Gautami Kapoor	Supporting cast	Industry figures that add layers to the plot.
Special Cameos	SRK, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Karan Johar	Appearances designed for surprise and laughs.

Cameos That Have Everyone Talking

The cameo list is one of the biggest hooks. Shah Rukh Khan’s own voice is heard in the teaser, and he is expected to appear briefly.

Add to that Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Karan Johar — and you have a parade of Bollywood’s biggest names popping up. Cameos aren’t new in Indian series, but rarely do you see so many superstars lending their presence to a debut project.

For fans, these cameos act as Easter eggs. For Aryan Khan, they’re a stamp of approval from the very industry he’s critiquing.

The Makers Behind the Scenes

Director: Aryan Khan
Co-Creators: Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan
Production: Red Chillies Entertainment
Producer: Gauri Khan

The series was first announced quietly, but buzz really picked up in mid-2025 when Netflix revealed the official title and poster. The project has been in development for over a year, and Aryan has been deeply involved in scripting, casting, and styling.

Industry veterans say Aryan has been “hands-on,” guiding everything from the show’s look to its music cues. His choice to avoid acting and instead build his craft as a filmmaker is a big reason why expectations are sky-high.

Teaser Breakdown

The teaser, released on August 20, gave audiences a first glimpse:

It opens with Shah Rukh Khan’s voiceover, setting a grand yet slightly tongue-in-cheek tone.
We see Lakshya as Aasmaan Singh, nervous but determined, stepping into the spotlight.
Quick cuts show the clash between glitz and struggle, paparazzi flashes, backstage politics, and auditions gone wrong.
Bobby Deol appears as Ajay Talvar, oozing superstar swagger.
The mood shifts between romance, rivalry, and chaos, summed up with stylish visuals and punchy dialogue.

Fans online described the teaser as “chaotic but addictive.” Karan Johar even predicted it could be a record-breaking hit.

Industry Buzz & Early Reactions

The Mumbai preview event was a star-studded affair, with celebrities showing up to support Aryan. Riteish Deshmukh called the project a “beautiful journey,” while Genelia D’Souza sent warm wishes.

Critics are intrigued. Some see it as a refreshing, gutsy take on Bollywood. Others are curious how Aryan will handle inevitable debates around nepotism and authenticity.

Either way, The Bads of Bollywood is already one of the most talked-about shows of the year, and it hasn’t even premiered yet.

Why It Might Succeed (and the Risks)

Why it could succeed:

Fresh perspective from a new filmmaker.
Star-studded cameos that attract casual viewers.
Netflix’s global reach ensures maximum exposure.
A glossy yet sharp satire, a genre Bollywood rarely explores.

Risks:

High expectations, Aryan will be judged more harshly because of his surname.
Balancing satire with mainstream appeal is tricky.
Audiences may question whether the story is truly original or too self-referential.