Shashi Tharoor accused of doing a paid review of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, replies 'I'm not...'

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor recently praised Aryan Khan's show The Ba***ds of Bollywood on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, calling it "absolute OTT GOLD". However, his post soon sparked allegations of it being a paid review. The senior leader clapped back at the accusation, clarifying his stance on his statement.

Shashi Tharoor's positive review of The Ba***ds of Bollywood

Earlier on Sunday, Shashi Tharoor took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to compose a note for Aryan and superstar Shah Rukh Khan after watching The Ba***ds of Bollywood.

"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," Tharoor wrote. "Just finished watching Aryan Khan's directorial debut, "The Ba**ds 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." He continued. Wrapping up his post, Tharoor wrote, "The seven compelling episodes mark the arrival of a true storytelling powerhouse. Take a bow, Aryan Khan you've delivered a masterpiece: "The Ba**dsOfBollywood" is brilliant! @iamsrk: from one father to another, let me say: you must be so proud."

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

Shashi Tharoor hits back at paid review claims

After Tharoor posted this review of the Netflix series, which also marked Aryan's debut as a director, one social media user took a jab at him, commenting, "Shashi Tharoor's new side business paid reviews." The politician, however, wasn't in the mood to ignore this claim and responded, giving the troll a sharp reply. On Monday, Tharoor took to X to hit back at the allegation. Tharoor wrote, "I'm not for sale, my friend. No opinion I express has ever been paid for by anybody, in cash or in kind."

About Aryan's show

Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan had his directorial debut on September 18 with the Netflix web series The Ba***ds of Bollywood. The satirical comedy, starring Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambba, and Bobby Deol in lead roles, received amazing reviews from the audience. A satire on the Bollywood industry, the show explores the power struggles within Bollywood and the challenges faced by outsiders trying to remain relevant.