A star was born last night but not in front of the camera. Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, made a stunning debut behind it with the highly-anticipated web series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which premiered on Wednesday in Mumbai.
The glitzy premiere night, hosted by Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, brought together the biggest names in the film industry. But among the flood of love and support, one post stood out — an emotional and beautifully worded tribute from none other than director-producer Karan Johar, who has watched Aryan grow up, not just as a star kid, but now as a filmmaker.
Taking to Instagram just hours before the premiere, Karan shared a photo with Aryan and penned a note that struck a chord across the industry:“Shine on son!!! Tonight is your big night… when your family, friends and the fraternity will welcome you to the movies with their arms wide out (your father made that a national gesture)… you treaded a path that many never believed you would… the daunting task of being behind the camera… of being a storyteller and the captain of its execution… have seen you work tirelessly and passionately for over 2 years and never once taking the opportunity given to you for granted…”
“You have an individual style of telling your story and I can’t wait for everyone to see and hear your voice in #badsofbollywood… I am so so proud of you and love you so much!!! (Also thanks for giving me a part in the show, I was secretly dying for you to ask me) … Series toh ban gayi beta… Picture abhi baaki hai!!!!!”
The post quickly went viral, not just because of Karan’s emotional candor, but because it represented a full-circle moment in Bollywood — the son of one of India’s greatest superstars being welcomed into the world of cinema by one of its most influential filmmakers.
The Ba**ds of Bollywood* isn’t just a title — it’s a statement. Co-written by Aryan Khan along with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, the show dives deep into the glamourous yet unforgiving world of Bollywood through the eyes of an outsider. It follows the journey of Aasmaan Singh (played by Lakshya), an ambitious newcomer navigating fame, friendships, and fragile egos in the industry.
Supported by his best friend Parvaiz (Raghav Juyal), manager Sanya (Anya Singh), and his family — mother Neeta (Mona Singh), father Rajat (Vijayant Kohli), and uncle Avtar (Manoj Pahwa) — Aasmaan’s story is one of struggle, success, and self-discovery.
Adding to the excitement, the series features cameos by Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Karan Johar himself, and is backed by Red Chillies Entertainment. Aryan’s father Shah Rukh Khan has also lent his iconic voice as the narrator — a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
Aryan Khan’s decision to step behind the camera instead of in front of it has been met with admiration across the industry. His quiet commitment, sharp creative instincts, and refusal to ride on his surname alone have drawn praise from veterans and newcomers alike.
Karan Johar’s note reflects this rare respect not just for Aryan’s lineage, but for his individual artistic voice: “You treaded a path that many never believed you would… you have an individual style of telling your story…”
In an industry often obsessed with stardom, Aryan has chosen substance. And tonight, as The Ba**ds of Bollywood* begins streaming on Netflix, the film world watches with bated breath — not just to see what Aryan has created, but to witness the birth of a storyteller.
Whether The Ba**ds of Bollywood* becomes a breakout hit or a cult favourite, one thing is certain — Aryan Khan has arrived, not with flashbulbs and fanfare, but with vision, voice, and volume.
As Karan Johar so perfectly put it, “Series toh ban gayi beta… Picture abhi baaki hai.”
And Bollywood — and its audiences — can’t wait to see what comes next.
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