Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba*ds of Bollywood, has largely been met with critical acclaim and significant appreciation from fans. The series, praised for its irreverent take on the Hindi film industry and its sharp critique of various Bollywood tropes, has resonated positively with most viewers. However, not everyone is pleased with the show’s approach to dissecting Bollywood. Comedian Sunil Pal is among those who have voiced strong disapproval, contending that Aryan Khan erred by mocking the very industry that elevated his father, Shah Rukh Khan, to global superstardom.
Speaking on a podcast for Hindi Rush, Sunil Pal delivered a blunt and impassioned critique of Aryan Khan’s show and its satirical tone. He directly challenged Aryan’s creative choices, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy in critiquing the industry from which he and his family have benefited immensely. “Jis Bollywood ne aapke baap ko itna bada superstar banaya, aaj uss Bollywood ki buraayi aap iss tarah kar rahe ho (The very Bollywood that made your father such a big superstar, you are bad-mouthing it in such a way today),” Pal stated, emphasizing the stark contrast between Shah Rukh Khan’s monumental success within Bollywood and his son’s seemingly critical portrayal of it.
Shah Rukh Khan is, arguably, the biggest and most popular Indian actor of the last 30 years, having delivered countless blockbusters that have cemented his legendary status. Aryan’s show even featured a cameo by the actor himself, along with several of his industry colleagues, none of whom have publicly expressed offense at the show’s satirical elements. Despite the industry’s apparent acceptance, Sunil Pal’s critique suggests a moral boundary that he feels Aryan Khan has crossed by biting the hand that fed his family’s legacy.
Sunil Pal further argued that, given his privileged background, Aryan Khan had no compelling reason to adopt such a critical stance or rush into a project. He implied that Aryan could have leveraged his resources to create something universally praised, rather than a show that, in Pal’s view, disses the industry. “Aryan Khan had no dearth of fame, money, or platform. He could have sat at home for five more years and come up with something that even a Sanjay Leela Bhansali would have praised,” Pal remarked, suggesting that Aryan’s immense privilege should have translated into a more universally acclaimed and less controversial debut.
The Ba*ds of Bollywood: A Look Inside the Critique
The Ba*ds of Bollywood boasts a diverse cast, featuring Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Mona Singh, and Manoj Pahwa, alongside notable cameos from several Bollywood A-listers. The show, which is currently streaming on Netflix, centers on the story of an outsider’s struggle to establish himself in Bollywood, navigating the intricate internal politics, fierce rivalries, and often harsh realities of the industry. Its narrative is a satirical exploration of these challenges, aiming to expose some of the less glamorous aspects of the dream factory.
While many critics have lauded Aryan Khan’s direction and the show’s fresh perspective, Sunil Pal’s comments reflect a segment of the audience that perceives such critiques from an ‘insider’ as disrespectful or ungrateful. His concern stems from a traditional view of loyalty towards the industry that has provided immense success and recognition to the Khan family. The debate ignited by Pal’s remarks underscores the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and perceived reverence for institutions, especially within a culturally significant and often scrutinized industry like Bollywood.
The show’s ability to spark such a strong reaction, both positive and negative, speaks to its impact and its successful attempt to engage with sensitive topics within the film world. While Aryan Khan’s The Ba*ds of Bollywood has found its audience and critical appreciation, Sunil Pal’s dissenting voice serves as a reminder that not all industry veterans or observers are prepared to see Bollywood’s sacred cows playfully (or sharply) satirised, especially when it comes from within its most powerful families.