Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has robustly defended his glowing review of Aryan Khan's debut Netflix series The Ba***ds of Bollywood against accusations of it being a "paid review", dismissing the troll with a firm assertion of his integrity. On October 26, 2025, while recovering from illness on his sister's recommendation, Tharoor binge-watched the seven-episode satire and shared his unreserved praise on X, calling it "absolute #OTT GOLD". He lauded the writing as "sharp", the direction as "fearless", and the overall audacity as a much-needed takedown of Bollywood clichés, complete with insider jokes that peel back the industry's glamorous facade.

The series, featuring an ensemble cast including Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, and a cameo by Emraan Hashmi, follows an ambitious outsider's chaotic entry into Hindi cinema, blending humour, pathos, and unflinching critique. The controversy ignited when an X user commented on Tharoor's post, labelling it "Shashi Tharoor's new side business: Paid Reviews!!" in a jab implying commercial bias.

Tharoor swiftly retorted, "I am not for sale, my friend. No opinion I express has ever been paid for by anybody, in cash or in kind," underscoring his reputation for candid commentary across politics, literature, and culture. The user later apologised half-heartedly, attributing the scepticism to Tharoor's Malayali roots and Mollywood's superior content, while reaffirming admiration for his patriotism: "Sorry to say it, Sir, but this coming from a Malayali... makes it look like one (paid). You are entitled to have a different view, though... P.S.: I greatly admire you for your patriotism work."

This exchange highlights the polarised online ecosystem where celebrity endorsements, even from public figures like Tharoor, face instant scrutiny. Author Sanjay Lazar jumped to Tharoor's defence, advising him to ignore trolls while endorsing the series: "It was a brilliant series & I binge-watched. Compliments were due to Aryan, & @iamsrk will be a proud dad." Tharoor, known for his articulate takedowns and vast social media following, also extended congratulations to Shah Rukh Khan, predicting paternal pride in Aryan's bold vision.

Directed by the 28-year-old Khan—son of SRK and Gauri Khan—the show has sparked buzz for its meta-humour and industry exposés, drawing comparisons to Succession's dysfunctional family dynamics but rooted in Mumbai's film underbelly. Early viewership metrics suggest strong traction, with viral moments like Hashmi's dialogue amplifying its cultural footprint.

Also Read: Emraan Hashmi Talks About His Role and Viral Dialogue in Ba**ds of Bollywood*

The episode reflects broader tensions in digital discourse, where influencers and politicians alike navigate authenticity amid monetisation pressures in India's booming OTT space. Tharoor's response not only quells the immediate backlash but also reinforces his brand as an unbought voice in a sponsorship-saturated landscape. As The Ba***ds of Bollywood climbs streaming charts, it positions Aryan Khan as a fresh auteur, potentially reshaping nepotism narratives while inviting more such high-profile validations—and inevitable trolls.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor Reviews Aryan Khan’s Directorial Debut, Calls it Sharp and Fearless Satire