Shashi Tharoor Praises Aryan Khan’s Show, Denies Paid Review

Congress MP and author Shashi Tharoor recently took to social media to share his thoughts on Aryan Khan’s debut web series, The Bads of Bollywood***. The politician, known for his articulate opinions on cinema and culture, posted his review on October 26, describing the series as “a fearless and witty satire that grows on you with time.”

Tharoor revealed that he decided to watch the show while recovering from an illness. “It was recommended to me by my sister, and since I was under the weather, I binge-watched it. The writing is sharp, the direction is fearless, and the sheer audacity of this satire is just what Bollywood needed,” he wrote in his post.

The parliamentarian’s detailed appreciation of Aryan Khan’s first major creative venture quickly gained traction online, with many users lauding his honest take. However, not all reactions were positive — some netizens accused Tharoor of doing a “paid review,” sparking a social media debate.

Tharoor Responds to ‘Paid Review’ Allegations

Soon after Tharoor’s post went viral on X (formerly Twitter), one user commented:

“Shashi Tharoor’s new side business — Paid Reviews!!”

The remark drew attention, prompting Tharoor to respond directly and set the record straight. The politician replied firmly, saying,

“I am not for sale, my friend. No opinion I express has ever been paid for by anybody, in cash or in kind.”

His dignified yet pointed response resonated with many users who applauded him for addressing the allegation without hostility.

The same user later clarified his remark, writing,

“Sorry to say it, Sir, but this, coming from a Malayali (Mollywood makes great content), makes it look like one (paid). You are entitled to have a different view, though... P.S.: I greatly admire you for your patriotic work.”

Despite the apology, the exchange reflected how online discourse often blurs the line between genuine opinion and perceived influence, especially when public figures comment on entertainment ventures linked to high-profile families.

Support from Peers and Followers

Amid the online chatter, author Sanjay Lazar came to Tharoor’s defense, advising him not to engage with trolls and echoing his positive opinion of the series.

“It was a brilliant series & I binge-watched it too. Compliments were due to Aryan & @iamsrk will be a proud dad,” Lazar commented on the post.

Many other users also sided with Tharoor, appreciating his ability to evaluate the show purely on its artistic merit rather than its lineage or publicity.

Inside Tharoor’s Review: Praise for Aryan Khan’s Direction

In his original post, Tharoor’s admiration for Aryan Khan’s work was evident.

“I’m left grasping for words of praise. It takes time to grow on you, but then you’re irresistibly hooked! The writing is sharp, the direction is fearless, and the sheer audacity of this satire is just what Bollywood needed,” he noted.

He further added that The Ba**ds of Bollywood* is

“a genius, often hilarious, sometimes moving, and always unflinching look beyond the glamour — sending up every cinematic cliché with razor-like wit and insider humor.”

The seasoned politician concluded by congratulating Shah Rukh Khan, stating that the superstar “should be proud of his son” for delivering a bold and intelligent take on the film industry.

About Aryan Khan’s ‘The Ba*ds of Bollywood’**

Aryan Khan’s much-discussed streaming debut marks his entry into the creative world as a writer and director, rather than an actor. The satirical series reportedly explores the dark and ironic underbelly of the Hindi film industry, taking a critical yet humorous look at nepotism, stardom, and power games within Bollywood.

Since its release earlier this month, the show has sparked conversations about generational privilege and creativity in Indian entertainment. Critics have praised Aryan’s confident storytelling and sharp dialogue, calling the series a refreshing addition to India’s evolving OTT space.

The project, co-produced by Red Chilies Entertainment, features an ensemble cast of emerging talents and established actors in cameo roles.

Cultural Impact and Online Reactions

Tharoor’s review reignited discussions about how influential figures from politics and academia engage with popular culture. His endorsement of Aryan Khan’s work has been viewed by some as a bridge between India’s intellectual and entertainment circles.

However, the backlash also highlights a growing cynicism on social media, where any public praise of a celebrity project is often suspected to be “sponsored.”

In this case, Tharoor’s straightforward denial helped clarify that his remarks stemmed purely from personal admiration for the show’s creative quality.

As The Ba**ds of Bollywood* continues to trend across platforms, Tharoor’s candid review has added an unexpected political twist to the entertainment conversation. His interaction with followers showcases both the power and pitfalls of social media engagement in shaping public perception.

By standing his ground against unfounded claims, Shashi Tharoor reminded audiences that genuine appreciation — even from public figures — need not always come with strings attached.