New Delhi: Aryan Khan didn’t hold back on giving multiple references of his father, Shah Rukh Khan, in his debut series The Bads of Bollywood, now streaming on Netflix.
Episode 6 of the seven-part series is packed with nods to two of SRK’s most popular films. In fact, the tribute begins subtly in episode 5 with a reference to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
Aasman Singh (played by Lakshay) reenacts the iconic ‘Palat, Palat, Palat’ scene from DDLJ at a bar. In DDLJ, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, SRK’s character said, “If she loves me, she will turn around,” chanting ‘palat’ three times before Kajol’s character turns before boarding the train.
In The Bads of Bollywood, after Aasman’s third ‘palat,’ the scene cuts to Karishma’s house, where she turns toward the camera.
Songs from SRK films pop up throughout the series. In the very first episode, two iconic tracks—Chaiyya Chaiyya from Dil Se and Koi Mil Gaya from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, make an appearance.
Chaiyya Chaiyya accompanies the entrance of Manoj Pahwa’s character, Aasman’s uncle, as he performs as a background dancer during a band performance at a wedding. Meanwhile, Koi Mil Gaya plays during the success party celebrating Aasman’s debut film, Revolver.
Shah Rukh Khan himself makes a cameo appearance in episode 6, along with his manager, Pooja Dadlani. His entrance is perfectly timed to the beat of the Badshah film’s title track, Badshah O Badshah.
Also read: Aryan Khan’s Bads of Bollywood begins with Sameer Wankhede
Om Shanti Om for Gen Z
When the trailer for The Bads of Bollywood dropped, many fans called it the “Om Shanti Om for Gen Z,” and the comparison is apt.
The series recreates the iconic award show scene from Om Shanti Om, where actors are interviewed on the red carpet. But with an upgrade. It brings in the drama of current Bollywood celebrities.
Actors like Sara Ali Khan, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Arjun Kapoor, and Rajkumar Rao are seen presenting a forced humble side in front of the media. Social media sensations like Shalini Passi and Orry also make an appearance. However, Maheep Kapoor in her unapologetic sassy avatar steals the show, when she says, “I have to clap for everyone at award shows. I just got my nails done.”
In Om Shanti Om, Abhishek Bachchan, doing a cameo, confidently expects to win ‘Best Actor’ award, only to be disappointed when SRK’s Om Kapoor is announced as the winner.
Similarly, in The Bads of Bollywood, Siddhant Chaturvedi, playing a cameo, gets up to take the award but portrays a similar frustration when Aasman’s name is called.
The parallels continue when Aasman receives the award from SRK himself, delivering the famous Om Shanti Om dialogue: “Kisi chiz ko agar shiddat se pane ki koshish karo, toh puri kainaat use tumse milane ki saazish karti hai.”
Beyond SRK references, Aryan Khan also weaves in moments inspired by his personal life. Apart from the Sameer Wankhede reference, he also takes a potshot at one of his most talked-about characteristics—his smile.
In a red carpet scene, Maheep Kapoor is seen posing while her daughter Shanaya Kapoor arrives with a poker face. Maheep quips, “Shanaya, please smile. Don’t act like Aryan.”
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)