Bollywood

‘I Am Not For Sale’, Shashi Tharoor Clarifies After Being Accused of “Paid Review” for Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood

By Gunjan Chaudhary

October 28, 2025

Congress leader and author Shashi Tharoor recently found himself at the center of controversy after he praised Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood. What began as an enthusiastic appreciation post soon spiraled into a heated online debate, forcing Tharoor to issue a clarification following accusations of posting a paid review. After watching The Ba***ds of Bollywood on Netflix, Tharoor took to social media platform X to share his admiration for the series and Aryan Khan’s work.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood

Shashi Tharoor Clarifies Air

The veteran politician lauded the show’s witty writing, bold satire, and sharp direction, calling Aryan’s debut a true storytelling triumph. In his post, Tharoor wrote, “I just watched Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, and I’m at a loss for words. It takes time to impress you, but then you’re completely hooked! The writing is sharp, the direction unflinching, and the fearlessness of this satire is exactly what Bollywood needed.”

Shashi Tharoor

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He further praised the show’s tone and execution, saying, “A brilliant, funny, sometimes moving, and always unapologetic series that tackles every cinematic cliché with a sharp edge. Seven compelling episodes mark the arrival of a true storytelling force.” He even congratulated Shah Rukh Khan, adding, “Aryan Khan, thank you, you’ve delivered a masterpiece. Shah Rukh Khan, from one father to another, I have to say: you should be so proud.”

Shashi Tharoor

Shortly after his glowing review, several social media users began trolling Tharoor, accusing him of being part of a promotional campaign. One user wrote, “Shashi Tharoor’s new side business, paid reviews.” However, Tharoor did not remain silent. The Congress MP swiftly responded to the allegations with a firm denial, “I’m not for sale, my friend. I’ve never been paid in cash or kind for any opinion I’ve expressed.”