How do you innovate and stand out in an industry overflowing with formulas? Aryan Khan seems to have cracked this code with his explosive directorial debut, The Ba***ads of Bollywood. The Netflix series has been the top trend since its release, and for good reason. It’s humorous, outrageous, dark, and a definite conversation starter.
Featuring cheeky nods to Bollywood’s most notorious myths and a cavalcade of cameos by industry icons, the show thrives on its audacity. At its core, it’s a satire—a reflection of the hypocrisy, politics, and reinventions shaping B-town. We spoke with Bobby Deol and Raghav Juyal, who embody this chaos on screen, to discuss comebacks, discipline, and what it means to be the “bads” of Bollywood.
Still from the series. Photo: Netflix
Edited excerpts from an interview:
Q: How does it feel to be labeled the “Bads of Bollywood”?
Bobby Deol (BD): As actors, we take on different roles and identities with each project. I’m thrilled that Bads of Bollywood is the buzz right now—it feels incredible! We’re especially proud since this is Aryan’s debut as a director. The conviction with which he’s approached this project is remarkable. Finding your voice as a director from the get-go is no small feat.
His ability to bring out the best in all of us is what made us the “bads” of Bollywood.
Raghav Juyal (RJ): Honestly, it’s fantastic. The show is a bold statement! It’s fresh, dark, entertaining, and audiences are loving it. We’ve received amazing feedback for every character—from Shawmik (played by Divik Sharma) to Jaraj Saxena (Rajat Bedi)—everyone has had their moment.
Q: The show references real Bollywood controversies: nepotism, contracts, legal battles. How did it feel to portray material that mirrors your industry? Did it feel too close to reality?
BD: Everything is inspired by society, but it’s presented as a fictionalized version. The myths surrounding Bollywood. Everyone loves talking about Bollywood—it’s always in the spotlight, making it a hot topic. Like cricket and Bollywood, everyone dreams of being a cricketer or an actor.
This show functions as satire. It’s funny, sharp, and has great replay value because each viewing reveals new dialogues and details.
Still from the series.
Q: Both of you have unique journeys. Bobby, you’ve been called the ‘king of comebacks,’ and Raghav, transitioning from Dance India Dance to mainstream cinema, what’s been your secret to successful reinvention?
BD: For [Raghav], every step he took helped him discover more about himself. He never gave up, and that’s why his career has flourished. In this industry, reaching the top is tough, but he persisted, and that’s why he’s here today.
I’ve been in this industry for 30 years. I started strong—was a big star—and then it faded. I gave up for a while, but realized there was still something left in me. I worked on myself and made a comeback. My fans were always there, waiting.
Still from the series.
RJ: As Sir said, I saw where I wanted to be. The journey is ongoing. The key is to never give up. Discipline is crucial! Despite Gen-Z distractions, the Internet, you must keep training, working on yourself, your craft, your body. That’s what I’ve held onto. Mentors like Remo [D’souza] sir always reminded me of this too.
BD: My youngest son is a huge fan of [Raghav]. He showed me a reel of his first Dance India Dance performance. The mischief, the comic timing—always there, even if he was nervous then. Watching that was a joy.
Q: Bobby, you’ve mentioned discipline as your driving force now. What does that discipline look like in your daily life?
BD: It keeps me going. Every morning I wake up and tell myself: I’m going to conquer the world. I try to instill that in the younger generation too, because discipline is the hardest to maintain. Every morning I remind myself—this has to be done at this time, the other thing at that time. It’s a daily battle. I haven’t completely won yet, but I’m more disciplined now.
Still from the series.
Q: Both of you are receiving massive love at film festivals. Last year, Kill went to the Toronto International Film Festival, and this year Bandar by Anurag Kashyap was showcased there. How does global recognition shape your perspective as actors?
BD: It’s always the work that speaks. I feel fortunate to be part of such projects. [Raghav] has shown different shades too. He was so honest in Kill that you hated him, and now you love him here. That’s what every actor dreams of.
RJ: My career is being built, but the dream remains: to keep getting roles where we can prove ourselves. As actors, you must always aspire to prove yourself. One good role is never enough; we’re never satisfied.
BD: That’s how it should be. Different directors bring out different sides of you, be it Anurag Kashyap, Aryan, or others. That’s how you grow. Today, I’m celebrated because of the characters created by these filmmakers, and because audiences have embraced them.
