Entertainment

Like father, like son? Aryan's debut gives major SRK vibes

 

The wait is finally over. After years of speculation, headlines, and hushed whispers, Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood’s undisputed Badshah, Shah Rukh Khan, has stepped into the spotlight with his debut project, and the internet is already buzzing like it’s 2001 all over again.

The first look and teaser of Aryan’s web series Bads of Bollywood have just dropped, and if the buzz is anything to go by, the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. In fact, it might have landed right in the middle of a Shah Rukh-era romantic drama, with a modern twist of action, attitude, and unmistakable Khan flair.

Directed, written, and starring Aryan himself, Bads of Bollywood isn’t just a debut, it’s a statement. And from the very first frame, it feels like a love letter to the legacy of SRK.

A symphony of nostalgia

The teaser opens with a haunting violin melody, yes, that iconic tune from Mohabbatein, as a soft voice murmurs, “Ek ladki thi… deewani si.” Instant goosebumps. For fans who grew up watching Shah Rukh charm the world with his intense eyes and poetic romance, this is pure cinematic déjà vu.

But just as you lean in for a nostalgic love story, the mood shifts. The camera cuts to Aryan – tall, composed, with a quiet intensity in his eyes – walking through a dimly lit corridor. The romance takes a backseat. Enter grit. Enter action. Enter the new bad boy of Bollywood.

Then comes the line that sent social media into overdrive: “Bollywood jaise apne saalo se pyar bhi kiya aur war bhi kiya, main bhi wahi karunga.” (“Just as Bollywood has loved and fought through the years, I will do the same.”)

It’s bold. It’s layered. And yes, it’s clearly a tribute to his father—the man who ruled hearts and box offices with equal command.

More than just a famous name

What makes Aryan’s debut even more intriguing is that he’s not just acting – he’s behind the lens too. As writer and director, he’s taking creative control from day one, a rare move for a newcomer. And with Gauri Khan producing under Red Chillies Entertainment, the project carries both pedigree and ambition.

The cast reads like a mix of veteran cool and rising stars: Bobby Deol brings his signature rugged charm, Lakshya (of Uri fame) adds youthful intensity, and newcomers Saher Samba and Manish Choudhary round out a diverse ensemble. Veteran actress Gautami Kapoor also joins the lineup, promising depth amid the drama.

The weight of the crown

Being Shah Rukh Khan’s son is both a privilege and a pressure cooker. Aryan has stayed out of the limelight for years, weathering personal storms with quiet resilience. Now, with Bads of Bollywood, he’s choosing to step forward—not on the back of his father’s fame, but with a story that seems to acknowledge it, embrace it, and then forge its own path.

Is he the “Little King” stepping into the throne? Or is he carving a new kingdom altogether?

One thing’s for sure: the teaser has done its job. Fans are already dissecting every frame, every line, every glance. Memes are flying. Hashtags are trending. And Netflix, which will stream the series globally by the end of the year (exact date TBA), is sitting on a potential blockbuster.

Final verdict: Legacy meets launchpad

Bads of Bollywood might just be the most anticipated Indian web series of the year—not because it promises explosions or epic romance (though it likely has both), but because it represents a passing of the torch. Or perhaps, the lighting of a new flame.

As the screen fades to black and the words “Coming Soon on Netflix” appear, one thought lingers: The King may still reign, but is the Prince ready to rule?

We’ll find out soon enough.