Aryan Khan expected ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ to succeed, says Shah Rukh Khan is the easiest to work with; reveals BTS fun with Salman Khan

Two months after quietly dropping what would soon become one of Netflix’s most talked-about Indian series of the year, Aryan Khan is finally taking a moment to reflect. The Ba***ds of Bollywood didn’t just spark conversations — it ignited debates, memes, admiration, and criticism in equal measure. Now, away from the noise, the young filmmaker is opening up about belief, creative pressure, and what it truly takes to stand by your vision in an industry that’s constantly watching your every move.The seven-part satirical action-comedy series follows the journey of Aasman Singh, played by Lakshya Lalwani, who transforms from a struggling newcomer into a rising star while navigating fame, power, and his connection with the daughter of a superstar. The ensemble cast also includes Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Mona Singh, and Manoj Pahwa. The show blends satire with action and industry spoof, offering a self-aware commentary on Bollywood’s glamour and its darker realities. Speaking to GQ India, Aryan Khan addressed the reception of the series, which features cameos from his father, Shah Rukh Khan, and playful spoofs of family friends. Talking about their work equation, Aryan said, “He’s the easiest person to work with. He knows exactly what to do and how to do it. And when he’s on set, everyone else behaves exceptionally well.”Beyond directing and creative supervision, Aryan also revealed a fun behind-the-scenes detail about the show. “Fun fact—in the show, when Salman Khan says, ‘What party? Bullshit party’—that’s actually me,” he shared. The revelation added to the show’s layered humour and its playful treatment of celebrity culture.Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Aryan admitted he was deeply moved by the audience’s engagement. “I’m extremely grateful,” he said. He added, “As a creator, the biggest reward is people enjoying what you’ve poured your heart into. I did expect it to do well, and I’m not saying this out of arrogance but belief. If I don’t believe in the project, as the director, who will?”While the show surpassed expectations, Aryan confessed it would have been disappointing had it failed to strike a chord. For those who finished it quickly, he encouraged revisiting the series: “If you binged it in the first week, you should rewatch it. There are jokes people miss because one punchline overlaps with the next.”Looking ahead, Aryan confirmed that his main focus in the coming months will be writing and developing new stories. “I have two or three projects I want to develop, but nothing’s locked in yet. This year is about sitting down, writing, and shaping whatever comes after,” he concluded.