Aryan Khan’s debut series explores Bollywood’s absurdities through a blend of humor and criticism.
The seven-episode series titled The Ba***ds of Bollywood is now available on Netflix, marking Aryan Khan’s debut as a creator, director, and co-writer. The show promises a mix of satire and humor, keeping viewers guessing about the significance of the asterisks in its title.
Central to the plot is Aasmaan, portrayed by Lakshya, who finds himself in high demand after a recent box-office success. Various figures in the industry, including producer Freddy (Manish Chaudhuri) and filmmaker Karan Johar (playing himself), are eager to work with him. However, Aasmaan faces skepticism from Ajay (Bobby Deol), who is also the father of aspiring actress Karishma (Sahher Bambba), who has her sights set on Aasmaan as a potential boyfriend.
Aasmaan is supported by his loyal friends, including Parvaiz (Raghav Juyal) and his diligent manager Sanya (Anya Singh). Despite the whirlwind of fame and tabloid attention, Aasmaan remains grounded thanks to the guidance of his mother Neeta (Mona Singh) and father Rajat (Vijayant Kohli). The series also features a subplot involving Aasmaan’s uncle Avtar (Manoj Pahwa), who harbors his own ambitions in the entertainment world, while Rajat Bedi plays Jaraj, a struggling actor eager to reclaim his former glory.
The narrative is interspersed with notable cameos from stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, among others. Aamir Khan and SS Rajamouli appear in a comedic scene that humorously critiques the excessive expectations fans often place on celebrities. Other well-known actors, such as Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, and Rajkummar Rao, also contribute to the satire by revealing the personas behind their polished public images.
Despite some similarities to the JioHotstar series Showtime, produced by Johar and featuring Emraan Hashmi, The Ba***ds of Bollywood stands on its own with a unique approach. Hashmi’s cameo as an intimacy coach is particularly noteworthy, showcasing a clever play on his public persona.
While the series grapples with the intricacies of the Hindi film industry, it does so with an awareness of its more absurd elements. The production design may come off as somewhat unrefined, and certain scenes appear awkwardly staged, yet the creators manage to strike a balance between light-hearted mockery and genuine affection for their characters. The series candidly addresses issues like nepotism and the often cynical nature of creative choices within the industry.
The exploration of nepotism introduces a bold narrative twist, playfully suggesting that connections are ubiquitous in Bollywood. Additionally, the series includes a humorous reference to a government official convinced of rampant drug use in the industry. The character of a gangster, portrayed by Arshad Warsi, adds another layer of comedy as he aspires to become a producer.
While the primary storyline revolves around Aasmaan’s pursuit of fame, the more compelling character arcs belong to the supporting cast, particularly Bobby Deol and Rajat Bedi, who both deliver memorable performances. The scattershot satire offers plenty of comedic moments and engaging cameos, providing a humorous yet knowing critique of the showbiz landscape.
