**Can an Outsider Make It Big in Bollywood? A Review of *The Ba***ds of Bollywood***
*The Ba***ds of Bollywood* revolves around Aasmaan (Lakshya), an outsider and a rising Bollywood star. After signing a major Karan Johar film, he finds himself co-starring with Karishma Talwar, the daughter of superstar Ajay Talwar. However, Ajay (Deol) isn’t too pleased about this pairing. Adding to the drama, Aasmaan is being chased by the mafia while struggling to juggle his film commitments to Johar and producer Freddy Sodawallah (Manish Chaudhari).
### Self-Aware, Smart, and Funny
Perhaps the best aspect of *The Ba***ds of Bollywood* is how self-aware, smart, and cheeky it is. The show doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the industry — from Johar calling himself the “film mafia” to Rajat Bedi (known for *Koi… Mil Gaya*) taking multiple digs at his prolonged absence from Bollywood. Aryan Khan also makes fun of his own drug controversy and even spoofs the infamous Sameer Wankhede. This meta-humor adds a refreshing layer to the series, making it highly entertaining.
### Rajat Bedi’s Redemption Arc
Rajat Bedi plays Jaraj Saxena, a Bollywood has-been with an amusing and lovable charm. His character drives much of the plot forward and offers one of the series’ most memorable performances. There’s an underlying tragedy to his role which raises questions about the shelf life of fame and what happens when it’s suddenly snatched away. Bedi’s portrayal stands out as one of his best, blending humor with poignancy.
### SRK’s Much-Hyped Cameo
One of the highlights of the show is Shah Rukh Khan’s hilarious cameo during the Filmfirst Awards segment. SRK’s brief appearance is a perfect tribute to the iconic awards scene from *Om Shanti Om*. From the cameos to the way Aasmaan’s winning speech is filmed, it’s clear that Aryan Khan’s direction is a heartfelt nod to Farah Khan and her influence.
### A Gamble with the Final Twist
The series shines most when it mirrors real life. Johar’s lengthy talks about nepotism, jokes about Aryan’s mysterious persona, and mentions of Orry’s “omnipresence” all add to the authenticity. Towards the end, the show takes a bold, filmy twist. If renewed for a second season, this twist could heavily influence the trajectories of the central characters, making for an intriguing continuation.
### Areas Where the Show Could Improve
Despite its many meta moments and solid performances, *The Ba***ds of Bollywood* has its flaws. The biggest disappointment lies with the much-hyped celebrity cameos. While some instantly bring a smile, others feel completely wasted. Icons like SS Rajamouli, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan receive flimsy dialogues and minimal screen time. Salman Khan, in particular, only has a few seconds on-screen, which feels like a missed opportunity.
### Narrative Issues and Underdeveloped Characters
While the show thrives on humor and performances, the storytelling sometimes falters. The love story between Karishma and Aasmaan feels superficial, making it difficult to invest emotionally in their romance. Additionally, characters played by Manoj Pahwa and Juyal, who are supposed to add comic relief, are poorly written and lack depth, despite their pivotal role in the plot.
### Overambition and Distractions
The underworld subplot, featuring Arshad Warsi as a don, struggles to grab attention and often feels out of place. The series juggles so many storylines that it sometimes becomes a victim of its own ambition. The tacky VFX during a car chase between Ajay and Aasmaan is an unfortunate low point and feels especially out of place in such a big-budget show.
### Verdict: Aryan Khan’s Directorial Debut Is Entertaining
*The Ba***ds of Bollywood* is most entertaining when it satirizes the film industry and immerses the audience in the glamorous and enigmatic world of Bollywood. With tighter writing and stronger supporting characters, the series could have been more impactful and dramatic. Nevertheless, despite some narrative fluff and missed opportunities, *The Ba***ds of Bollywood* is a binge-worthy, humorous, and entertaining watch.
**Rating: 3/5 stars**
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