Shashi Tharoor dismisses ‘paid review’ claims on him praising Aryan Khan’s Bads of Bollywood; says ‘I’m not for sale’

Shashi Tharoor reacts to being a paid review for Bads of Bollywood

Shashi Tharoor has responded strongly to allegations that his glowing review of Aryan Khan’s debut web series, The Bads of Bollywood, was a “paid review.”

The politician clarified that his admiration for the series came purely from an audience’s perspective and not from any commercial arrangement.

The controversy erupted after Shashi Tharoor took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the Netflix satire, and called it “absolute OTT GOLD.” However, soon after, a social media user accused him of promoting the show for money, “Shashi Tharoor’s new side business – paid reviews.”

Shashi Tharoor new side business _Paid reviews!! https://t.co/bDE7j4lgSG

— тω✺✺ṧℏᾰԻ (@twooshar) October 27, 2025

Unfazed by the remark, Shashi Tharoor delivered a firm rebuttal. “I’m not for sale, my friend. No opinion I express has ever been paid for by anybody, in cash or in kind,” he wrote on X.

. I’m not for sale, my friend. No opinion I express has ever been paid for by anybody, in cash or in kind. — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 27, 2025

In his original post, Shashi had lauded Aryan Khan’s debut as a director, describing it as a landmark moment in OTT storytelling. “I’ve been battling a cold & cough and cancelled engagements for two days. My staff and my sister, @smitatharoor, persuaded me to turn my eyes away from the computer part of the time towards a @NetflixIndia series, and it’s one of the best things I have ever treated myself to: absolute #OTT GOLD,” he wrote.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor praises Aryan Khan’s directorial debut The Bads of Bollywood; Calls it “Absolute #OTT Gold”

He continued, “Just finished watching Aryan Khan's directorial debut, ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’, and I'm left grasping for words of praise. It takes time to grow on you, but then you’re irresistibly hooked! The writing is sharp, the direction is fearless, and the sheer audacity of this satire is just what Bollywood needed.”

Shashi Tharoor went on to hail Aryan as “a true storytelling powerhouse”, adding, “Take a bow, Aryan Khan — you’ve delivered a masterpiece. @iamsrk: from one father to another, let me say, you must be so proud.”

Also Read: 'Full of life, laughter and wit’: Shashi Tharoor fondly remembers 'dear classmate' Piyush Pandey

Aryan Khan’s The Bads of Bollywood, which premiered on September 18, marks his directorial debut. Starring Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambba, and Bobby Deol, the Netflix series is a biting satire on the Hindi film industry, exploring power struggles, nepotism, and the challenges faced by outsiders trying to stay relevant. The show also features Mona Singh, Anya Singh, and Manoj Pahwa in pivotal roles.