**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 rising Bollywood star. He lands a major role in a Karan Johar film, co-starring Karishma Talwar, the daughter of superstar Ajay Talwar. However, Ajay (played by Deol) isn’t thrilled about this casting. Adding to the tension, Aasmaan finds himself pursued by the mafia while juggling his commitments to Johar and producer Freddy Sodawallah (Manish Chaudhari).
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### #1 The Show Is Self-Aware, Smart, and Funny
One of the best aspects of *The Ba***ds of Bollywood* is its self-awareness and cheeky humor. The show openly mocks Bollywood culture—Johar refers to himself as the “film mafia,” and Rajat Bedi (known for *Koi… Mil Gaya*) takes several playful jabs at his own extended absence from the industry. Aryan even pokes fun at his own drug controversy and humorously spoofs the controversial figure Sameer Wankhede. This layered meta-humor adds a unique charm and wit to the series.
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### #2 Rajat Bedi’s Key Role and Redemption Arc
Rajat Bedi plays Jaraj Saxena, a Bollywood has-been with a lovable and amusing persona. His character is pivotal in driving the plot forward. Bedi’s role also carries an underlying tragedy, exploring the fleeting nature of fame and the impact of losing it. This arc gives his character depth, making him someone audiences can root for. It’s easily one of Bedi’s most memorable and compelling performances to date.
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### #3 SRK’s Much-Hyped Cameo
One of the series’ highlight moments is the Filmfirst Awards segment, featuring a hilarious cameo by Shah Rukh Khan. SRK gives a stellar performance in his brief appearance, which serves as a tribute to the iconic awards scene from *Om Shanti Om*. From the cameos to Aasmaan’s winning speech, the sequence feels like Aryan’s affectionate homage to director Farah Khan.
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### #4 Aryan’s Bold Gamble with the Final Twist
The series shines brightest when it mirrors real life. Karan Johar candidly discusses nepotism; Aryan’s omnipresence in the industry is referenced, along with jokes about Aryan’s own enigmatic persona. Towards the end, the show takes a dramatic, filmi twist that’s bold and unexpected. Should the series be renewed, it will be interesting to see how this plot turn shapes the future of the central characters.
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### #5 Areas Where the Show Could Improve
Despite its many strengths, the show has some clear drawbacks. The biggest disappointment lies with the much-anticipated cameos. While some bring instant smiles, others are unfortunately underutilized. For example, SS Rajamouli, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan receive flimsy dialogues, with Salman barely on screen for a few seconds. It’s a missed opportunity, leaving fans wanting more from these star appearances.
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### #6 The Story Sometimes Feels Disjointed
While *The Ba***ds of Bollywood* succeeds through its performances and humor, its narrative isn’t always cohesive. The love story between Karishma and Aasmaan is treated superficially, making it hard to invest in their romance. Furthermore, key comic characters played by Manoj Pahwa and Juyal, though central to the plot, are poorly written and lack depth, weakening the overall storytelling.
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### #7 When the Show Tries to Do Too Much
The underworld subplot, featuring Arshad Warsi as a don, struggles to hold the viewer’s attention and feels squeezed for space amidst other storylines. The show sometimes appears to be a victim of its own ambition, juggling too many elements at once. Additionally, the tacky VFX during a car chase scene between Ajay and Aasmaan detracts from the production value—a disappointing flaw for a series of this scale.
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### Verdict: Aryan’s Directorial Debut Is Entertaining but Flawed — 3/5 Stars
*The Ba***ds of Bollywood* is most engaging when it humorously exposes the quirks and glamour of the Bollywood industry, placing viewers right in the heart of showbiz’s dazzling yet enigmatic world. With tighter writing and richer supporting characters, the series could have offered a more gripping and satisfying drama.
Despite its narrative flaws and some underwhelming cameos, *The Ba***ds of Bollywood* remains a binge-worthy, entertaining watch filled with humor and self-aware charm.
**Rating: 3/5 stars**
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