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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 | The Indian Eye 40

Aryan Khan Steps into the Spotlight With

Directorial Debut as SRK Legacy Shines Bright

The star-studded premiere of Aryan Khan’s debut Netflix series marks a generational moment in

Bollywood, with Shah Rukh Khan’s towering legacy framing his son’s first steps behind the camera.

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai

n Wednesday evening in Mumbai, the red
carpet at the premiere of The Ba**ds of
OBollywood* glittered with more than just
flashbulbs. It signaled a symbolic handover of
sorts—Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh
Khan, arrived not as a celebrity kid making his
acting debut, but as a storyteller introducing his
first project as writer and director. Backed by Red
Chillies Entertainment, the Netflix series is Aryan’s
bold step into the heart of Bollywood, where his fa-
ther has reigned for three decades as the industry’s
undisputed Badshah.
The guest list itself reflected the gravity of the
moment. From the Ambanis to Alia Bhatt and Ran-
bir Kapoor, from Ajay Devgn and Kajol to Madhu-
ri Dixit and Farah Khan, nearly every corner of the
industry turned up to support Aryan. Bobby Deol,
who plays a central role in the series, walked in with
his family. Fashion icons like Manish Malhotra and
Karan Johar added to the spectacle, while younger
stars such as Ananya Panday and Khushi Kapoor
mingled with veterans like Rajkummar Hirani and
Zoya Akhtar. This was less a premiere and more a
family gathering of Bollywood itself, convened to
witness the debut of its newest filmmaker.
At the heart of the spectacle was Shah Rukh Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, with his wife Gauri Khan and children, poses for a photo during the premiere of Netflix series
Khan himself. Accompanied by wife Gauri, daugh-
ter Suhana, and youngest son AbRam, SRK played ‘Bads of Bollywood’ at NMACC, in Mumbai on Wednesday (ANI)
the role of proud father with characteristic charm.
In what became the most shared moment of the rather than pursue acting like his sister Suhana, is with a sense of theatre that makes ordinary ges-
night, the actor walked up to the paparazzi and what has truly intrigued the industry. Karan Johar tures iconic.
playfully gestured for Aryan to take his pictures. summed up this sentiment in a heartfelt Instagram For Netflix, The Ba**ds of Bollywood* rep-
The 26-year-old obliged, capturing candid shots of post ahead of the premiere: “You treaded a path resents another feather in its cap as it battles for
his father, while the crowd watched what felt like a many never believed you would—the daunting task dominance in India’s competitive streaming mar-
baton being passed—albeit with laughter, humility, of being behind the camera, of being a storyteller ket. The association with Red Chillies Entertain-
and love. and captain of execution. I’ve seen you work tire- ment, which has previously delivered global hits
The series itself promises drama worthy of the lessly for over two years, never once taking the op- like Delhi Crime, underscores the production
Khan legacy. The seven-episode narrative follows portunity for granted.” Farah Khan, who choreo- house’s growing reputation for high-quality digital
Aasmaan Singh, played by newcomer Lakshya, as graphed for Aryan’s project, added, “My boy! The storytelling. Aryan’s series, with its insider’s view
he navigates ambition, stardom, and rivalry with kindest, sweetest, most hardworking director I’ve of the industry and mix of grit and glamour, could
industry heavyweight Ajay Talvar, portrayed by ever had the privilege to choreograph for.” well capture both urban youth audiences and glob-
Bobby Deol. Alongside him are Sahher Bambba, The launch also underscores Shah Rukh al viewers fascinated by Bollywood’s mystique.
Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, and Mona Singh. Early Khan’s enduring influence in Bollywood. At 58, the Beyond the numbers, though, the premiere
reactions to the trailer have been electric, particu- actor remains the industry’s global face, with recent captured something less tangible: continuity. The
larly because of Aryan’s decision to pepper the sto- blockbusters like Jawan and Pathaan cementing his sight of Shah Rukh posing while Aryan clicked away
ry with high-wattage cameos—from SRK himself box office dominance. Yet, his presence at Aryan’s was more than a viral moment—it was emblematic
to Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Ranveer Singh. premiere wasn’t about his own stardom. Instead, it of a new chapter. Aryan Khan may have inherited
One scene in particular, featuring Shah Rukh’s en- was a quiet reminder of his role as mentor and fa- the privilege of his father’s name, but in stepping
try set to the iconic Baadshah theme, has already ther, lending his gravitas to ensure his son’s work into the role of writer and director, he is attempting
gone viral, with fans calling it “a tribute only a son received the attention it deserved. It’s a balancing to carve a voice distinctly his own. Whether audi-
could conceive.” act SRK has mastered over years—bridging per- ences embrace that voice remains to be seen, but
But Aryan’s choice to stay behind the camera, sonal milestones with public expectation, always the legacy he builds upon is undeniable.

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