Aryan Khan has secured his career’s first award as Best Debut Director of the Year for the Netflix series ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ at the NDTV Indian of the Year Awards in New Delhi on December 19. The achievement marks a key milestone for Shah Rukh Khan’s son as he steps out from his superstar father’s shadow with his directorial debut. The satirical series roasts Bollywood’s nepo babies, shady moguls and industry decadence, featuring cameos from stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar and Bobby Deol.
Taking the stage, Aryan thanked his cast, crew and Netflix for their trust and support. He called the recognition deeply special and highlighted their love, hard work and enthusiasm. In a light-hearted nod to his family legacy, he quipped that he hopes for many more awards like his father, but clarified this one was not for him.
Aryan dedicated the honour to his mother, Gauri Khan, crediting her guidance on sleeping early, behaving properly and not making fun of people. He joked about expecting less scolding at home that day, drawing smiles from the audience. The moment underscored his personal influences amid the professional triumph.
Adding to the emotion, Aryan’s grandmother Savita Chhibber watched from the audience and expressed her pride. She blessed him for future success and said she felt very happy. Visibly moved, Aryan promised his next award would be for her.
‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ has earned praise for its meta storytelling, ensemble cast including Saher Bambba, Lakshya Lalwani and Anya Singh, and wicked take on Bollywood’s inner workings. Critics note its entertaining mix of satire, twists and flashy cameos, making it deliciously watchable despite predictable elements. The series positions Aryan as a bold new voice in cinema.
Industry observers see the award as validation of his vision and potential for more projects. Fans have celebrated the win online, hailing his growth beyond past controversies.