Aryan Khan is finally opening up about what it was like to work alongside his father, superstar Shah Rukh Khan, as he reflects on the success of his directorial debut series, Ba**ds of Bollywood. The young filmmaker, often in the spotlight for being the son of India’s most famous actor, is now being recognised for his own creative voice—and he’s speaking candidly about the experience of creating something meaningful and original while having SRK appear in key cameo moments.
In an exclusive interview with GQ India, Aryan shared fresh insights into both the professional dynamic he shares with his father and the emotional journey that accompanied the release of his highly anticipated project. At 28, Aryan is navigating the delicate balance of carving an independent identity while also embracing the legacy he is inevitably a part of. And according to him, working with Shah Rukh Khan on set is far less intimidating than most people imagine.
“He’s the easiest person to work with,” Aryan said, describing SRK’s conduct on set as calm, professional, and incredibly efficient. “He knows exactly what to do and how to do it. And when he’s on set, everyone else behaves exceptionally well.” The remark wasn’t just playful—it highlighted the kind of effortless command and grace Shah Rukh carries even in brief cameo appearances. Aryan noted that his father’s presence tends to elevate the energy of an entire crew, influencing everyone to perform at their highest level.
For Aryan, directing his father—someone the world considers a cinematic giant—was a surreal but deeply rewarding experience. Working together, he said, came naturally. SRK, with decades of experience, offered both comfort and clarity, allowing Aryan the space to express his own vision as a first-time director. The collaboration served as a powerful reminder that while Shah Rukh Khan may be a global icon, he is also a parent who instinctively supports and uplifts his children.
Reflecting on the show’s spectacular reception, Aryan admitted he was overwhelmed by the emotional response from viewers. The project has been widely discussed for its sharp writing, stylish world-building, and refreshing take on the inner workings of the entertainment industry. For Aryan, whose creative journey has only just begun, the public’s enthusiasm feels like a validation of years of quiet preparation.
“I’m extremely grateful,” he said. “As a creator, the biggest reward is people enjoying what you’ve poured your heart into.” The sincerity of his words revealed just how personal the project was for him. Aryan acknowledged that he had expected the series to do well—not out of pride, he clarified, but out of conviction. “I did expect it to do well, and I’m not saying this out of arrogance but belief. If I don’t believe in the project as the director, who will?”
This sense of grounded confidence has become a defining trait in Aryan’s public persona. While much of his early life unfolded under intense media scrutiny, he has recently shifted attention through his professional pursuits, whether in directing, writing, or leading his luxury lifestyle brand. What has particularly stood out in this phase of his journey is his determination to develop creative projects that carry depth, originality, and cultural relevance.
Aryan spoke about how storytelling has always been a silent passion for him—something he cultivated away from the media glare. The success of Ba**ds of Bollywood has only strengthened his desire to push forward with fresh ideas and narratives. As a filmmaker, he hopes to create stories that resonate long after the screen fades to black. His focus now, he said, is on crafting projects with emotional weight, visual ambition, and a point of view that reflects the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment.
On the professional front, Aryan is already looking ahead. He hinted at new stories in development, each inspired by the desire to leave a lasting impact. While he remained tight-lipped about the specifics, his excitement suggested that he is ready for a long-term creative career—one shaped by his own sensibilities rather than expectations tied to his family name.
As he continues to step into his identity as a storyteller, director, and entrepreneur, Aryan Khan stands at the beginning of a cinematic journey that promises growth, experimentation, and a voice uniquely his own. And if his debut is any indication, the young filmmaker is determined not just to follow in Shah Rukh Khan’s footsteps, but to carve out a path that carries his own signature.
