Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has firmly dismissed allegations of accepting payment for his enthusiastic review of Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, ‘The B*****ds of Bollywood’, after social media users questioned the authenticity of his praise for the Netflix series.
Social Media Controversy Emerges
Shashi Tharoor commendation of the seven-episode satirical series sparked controversy when a social media user commented: “Shashi Tharoor’s new side business – paid reviews.” The politician responded unequivocally to defend his integrity.
“I’m not for sale, my friend. No opinion I express has ever been paid for by anybody, in cash or in kind,” Shashi Tharoor stated, emphasizing the independence of his views and dismissing suggestions of sponsored content.
Shashi Tharoor’s Detailed Appreciation of the Series
The Congress MP had shared extensive thoughts on the series while recovering from illness. “I’ve been battling a cold & cough and cancelled engagements for two days. My staff and my sister, @smitatharoor, persuaded me to turn my eyes away from the computer part of the time towards a @NetflixIndia series, and it’s one of the best things I have ever treated myself to: absolute #OTT GOLD,” he wrote.
I’ve been battling a cold & cough and cancelled engagements for two days. My staff and my sister, @smitatharoor, persuaded me to turn my eyes away from the computer part of the time towards a @NetflixIndia series, and it’s one of the best things I have ever treated myself to:… pic.twitter.com/xRUHv8ERTB
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 26, 2025
Elaborating on the show’s merits, Tharoor noted: “Just finished watching Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, ‘The Bastards of Bollywood’, and 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. A genius, often hilarious, sometimes moving, and always unflinching look beyond the glamour, sending up every cinematic cliche with razor-like wit — and a series of insider jokes that let the audience into the act & behind the scenes.”
Personal Message to Shah Rukh Khan
Tharoor concluded his review with a message to Aryan’s father: “The seven compelling episodes mark the arrival of a true storytelling powerhouse. Take a bow, Aryan Khan—you’ve delivered a masterpiece: ‘TheBastardsOfBollywood’ is brilliant! @iamsrk: from one father to another, let me say: you must be so proud.”
Series Details
‘The B*****ds of Bollywood’ premiered on Netflix on September 18, featuring Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Anya Singh, Mona Singh, and Manoj Pahwa. The satirical comedy examines Bollywood’s power dynamics and insider culture, receiving generally positive audience responses for its bold commentary.
