‘With SRK’s guidance, Aryan Khan can lead the way’: Anand Pandit on Bads of Bollywood | Exclusive

New Delhi: Shah Rukh Khan’s elder son, Aryan Khan, chose to go into direction rather than opting for acting, like several other star kids. His first directorial, Bads of Bollywood’s first look and the trailer has been received well by the audiences. In fact, not only with his direction but Aryan even impressed with his acting skills, wanting us to see more of him.

Ahead of its grand premiere on September 18 on Netflix, producer Anand Pandit, who shares a close bond with Shah Rukh Khan and his family, opened up about Aryan Khan’s debut as a director and his first web series in an exclusive chat with TV9 English. 

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Q. What are your views on Aryan Khan as a director. While other star kids are venturing into acting, Aryan Khan took a different direction, what is your take on that.

A.  For anyone who is passionate about movies, it is important to identify their areas of interest. There is no written rule that a star kid must think of a career only as an actor. Being closely associated with film, they may naturally be drawn towards movies, though this is not the case for everyone. In this case, while acting may be viewed as the natural progression for Aryan, he has chosen a career as a director. This shows his maturity and confidence in his storytelling instincts. Having known Shah Rukh for years, I have witnessed his passion for cinema. If Aryan can bring the same passion and love for films, I think he can make a strong impact on the creative side.

Q. Bads of Bollywood has been received well by everyone and Aryan impressed with his acting in the first look. What are your views about the show?

A. The first look video features Lakshya and Sahher Bambba in the lead roles. Aryan then appears and hints that the web series is as much about action and madness as it is about love and emotion. The visuals that follow give a glimpse into the action-filled sequences. The first impression is that it will be a fresh, edgy, and engaging series, something the younger generation will enjoy while also carrying a universal appeal. While watching the video, one gets the impression that Aryan has a knack for combining sharp visuals with strong emotions and novel ideas, which could help him create a distinct space in the world of filmmakers.

Q. With Shah Rukh Khan's support, you think Aryan Khan can break barriers and bring something new on the table, especially at a time when Bollywood is struggling in theatres?

A. More than support, it is Shah Rukh’s guidance that will prove invaluable to Aryan, I feel. This guidance will help him handle pressure, understand the nuances of direction, and deal with fame, success, and setbacks in the right spirit—an essential part of the industry. At a time when Bollywood needs reinvention, fresh voices like Aryan can lead the way. What is promising is that Aryan is not trying to emulate anyone but is exploring filmmaking in his own style. With his background, creativity, and the right support system, he has the potential to break barriers and contribute meaningfully to the industry’s resurgence.

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Q. You have a very close bond with Shah Rukh Khan. Can you share a fun anecdote about the superstar and your relationship with the actor?

A. We share a common passion for cinema. We are both workaholics and totally devoted to our families. Very few people know that Shahrukh has a very sharp entrepreneurial mind and so the conversations about our respective projects are always very engrossing. He also has a terrific sense of humour and on my 60th birthday, one of the highlights of the evening was the hilarious speech he gave.