Mumbai: It was only a matter of time before Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, found his creative footing in the entertainment world — though not as many had expected. Instead of facing the camera, Aryan chose to stay behind it, crafting his own story. His first web series, “The Ba D’s of Bollywood,” has quickly turned into one of the most-viewed titles on Netflix India, surprising even those who had modest expectations from a debut director.
The show entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 (Non-English) category within a few days of release, a rare spot usually dominated by Spanish and Korean productions. For an Indian original to reach that level, especially in its opening week, speaks volumes about both curiosity and content strength.
Analyst said that Aryan’s series had outperformed several big-budget global titles in terms of “viewer retention time,” which means people who started the series largely stayed until the end — a sign of authentic engagement, not just hype.
A Fresh Lens on Bollywood
Produced under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainment, the show takes viewers into the chaotic yet fascinating world of Hindi cinema. What sets it apart is how it manages to peel back the glamour without sounding bitter or exaggerated. Aryan’s direction carries a certain stillness — scenes linger, dialogues feel deliberate, and the tone is stylish but grounded.
Those who have seen it describe it as a “mirror to the industry’s ambition and insecurity.” It avoids the typical glossy tone that Bollywood dramas often rely on. Instead, it leans on storytelling, performance, and a distinct visual language that’s both cinematic and personal.
Competing With the Big Names
Netflix’s own rankings show “The Ba D’s of Bollywood” performing remarkably well against global hits like “Wednesday” and “Untamed.” Despite the competition, the show held its spot in the Top 10 list for multiple regions, including India, the UAE, and Singapore.
Streaming experts believe the success could signal a turning point for Indian OTT content — that local stories, when treated with international finesse, can resonate far beyond domestic audiences.
Inside Aryan’s Creative Process
Insiders who worked on the series say Aryan was involved in every creative detail — from lighting and shot breakdowns to costume palettes. He’s said to be meticulous, often preferring to rework a scene until it felt “honest.” People close to him mention that he avoided copying trends and instead focused on finding a tone that reflects today’s reality of fame and hustle.
A Strong Start for Netflix India
For Netflix, the show arrives at an opportune time. The platform has been making a push to strengthen its Indian slate, and Aryan’s project has brought a dose of renewed energy. The buzz across social media, especially among younger audiences, has boosted visibility for the platform’s local content strategy.
The streaming major is expected to build on this success with more collaborations between established production houses and young creators.
For Aryan Khan, though, the takeaway seems simpler — he has proven he can stand on his own creative ground, without leaning on a legacy name.