“Bastards of Bollywood,” Aryan Khan’s directorial debut series on Netflix, is a bold, satirical deep-dive into the lights, chaos, and shadows of the Hindi film industry. Spanning two seasons, the show uses meta-humor, industry gossip, and unflinching narration to deliver a story that is as self-aware as it is shocking.
Season 1: Setup, Scandal, and Satire
The story centers on Aasmaan Singh (Lakshya), a Delhi boy driven by dreams, whose acting career skyrockets after his film debut. With the support of his quirky family and savvy manager Sanya, Aasmaan maneuvers through a world of lopsided contracts, egoistic directors, and rivalry with superstar Ajay Talvar (Bobby Deol). Things intensify when Aasmaan is paired with Karishma Talvar (Sahher Bambba), Ajay’s daughter, setting up a cocktail of romance, competition, and family secrets.
The show stands out for its ruthlessly honest lens on Bollywood: industry power games, exploitation, the spectacle of celebrity, and the nepotism debate are all laid bare, often with sharp wit and dark comedy. One highlight is Aryan Khan’s use of parody and inside jokes, including a cameo likened to the real officer who booked him in 2021—turning personal scandal into media commentary.
Shocking Climax and Lead to Season 2
Season 1 ends with a double twist: the reveal that Aasmaan is actually Ajay Talvar’s illegitimate son—explaining the older actor’s bizarre hostility and setting up fresh ethical, romantic, and professional dilemmas. Producer Freddy Sodawallah blackmails Ajay using his secret, forcing a film project that mirrors the characters’ real drama. The curtain falls with the title “The Bastards of Bollywood” displayed on-screen, hinting at the true meaning behind the show’s censored branding and setting the stage for Season 2.
Season 2: Fallout, Family, and Fresh Conflicts
The second season picks up with Aasmaan and Karishma’s relationship disintegrating as they learn of their newfound half-sibling status. Ajay’s motives—previously dismissed as petty ego—are now seen in the light of a broken family history, bringing depth to his character. Aasmaan, meanwhile, finds himself enmeshed not only with Bollywood politics but also with underworld don Gafoor Bhai, trading his stalled career for a dangerous new set of opportunities in and beyond India