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

Shashi Tharoor lauds Bads of Bollywood

Even while battling a stubborn cold and cough, Congress MP and author Shashi Tharoor found an unexpected source of joy: Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Bads of Bollywood, streaming on Netflix India.

Encouraged by his staff and his sister Smita Tharoor, he decided to take a much-needed break from work and immerse himself in the series—a choice he now calls one of the “best things I have ever treated myself to.”

Shashi Tharoor took to X to share his admiration for the seven-episode series, describing it as “absolute #OTT GOLD.”

He praised its sharp writing, fearless direction, and audacious satire, noting that while the show might take a little time to grow on you, once it does, you’re completely hooked.

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:… pic.twitter.com/xRUHv8ERTB

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 26, 2025

According to Shashi Tharoor, the series offers a “genius, often hilarious, sometimes moving” look behind Bollywood’s glamorous curtain, skewering every cinematic cliché with razor-sharp wit while slipping in insider jokes that make viewers feel part of the inner circle.

Highlighting Aryan Khan as a “true storytelling powerhouse,” Tharoor applauded the young director’s ability to weave humour, social commentary, and emotional depth together effortlessly.

“The writing is sharp, the direction is fearless, and the sheer audacity of this satire is just what Bollywood needed,” he wrote, urging everyone to give the series a watch. He even shared a personal note for Shah Rukh Khan, Aryan’s father: “From one father to another, let me say: you must be so proud!!”

Also Read: Gupt producer Rajiv Rai gave Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela for Aryan Khan's Bads of Bollywood for free; says, 'Shah Rukh Khan offered money, but...'

In a recent interview with Variety, Aryan opened up about why he’s drawn to the director’s chair. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve preferred telling stories,” he said. “I always felt I had a lot to say, and I could tell it in a different, interesting way. There’s more control behind the camera, and you enjoy it more. It stops feeling like a job—you actually look forward to it every day.”

He also credited Shah Rukh for guiding him behind the scenes. “My father is incredibly knowledgeable about every aspect of filmmaking—VFX, lighting, camera work—you name it,” Aryan shared. “Even as a kid, he would show me, ‘This is how it happens; you don’t actually get shot like that.’ That’s how I learned the craft, and it’s something I carry with me every day.”