Farah Khan Reveals Aryan Khan’s Childhood Obsession with Rajat Bedi and His Casting Choice in Directorial Debut

Filmmaker Farah Khan recently shared a heartwarming story about Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and his admiration for actor Rajat Bedi, which ultimately influenced Aryan’s casting choice in his debut web series, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. The series, now streaming on Netflix, marks Aryan’s entry as a director and Rajat Bedi’s much-anticipated comeback to mainstream entertainment.

During a visit to Rajat Bedi’s home for her popular cooking vlog, Farah Khan revealed the backstory behind Aryan’s decision to include Rajat in his series. She recalled asking Aryan how he came up with the idea of casting Rajat, to which he replied that he had been “obsessed with Rajat Bedi since childhood,” particularly because of his role in Jaani Dushman. Aryan’s humorous remark, “Sabki izzat karenge toh lootenge kiski?” (If we respect everyone, who will we rob?) showcased both his wit and his deep-rooted fascination with cinematic characters that stand out.

Farah described Aryan as a “well-mannered, knowledgeable, and talented young man” and expressed her happiness in seeing him follow a creative path similar to his father’s. “I was so happy to see that my boy turned out to be filmy,” she said, fondly referring to Aryan’s passion for storytelling.

The Ba**ds of Bollywood* explores the dark humour and politics of the Hindi film industry, offering a satirical take on power struggles and the insider–outsider divide that defines Bollywood’s ecosystem. The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, and several high-profile cameo appearances by Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Arshad Warsi, and Karan Johar.

For Rajat Bedi, Aryan’s call came as a “godsent opportunity.” He shared that Aryan not only cast him in a significant role but also welcomed his son onto the project as an assistant director, highlighting Aryan’s collaborative and encouraging leadership style on set.

The series has been praised for its sharp direction, humour, and strong performances, with audiences commending Aryan Khan’s ability to balance satire and realism. Critics have described it as a refreshing and bold commentary on Bollywood’s evolving narrative.

Through Farah Khan’s recollections, it’s evident that Aryan’s creative journey has been shaped by both admiration for cinematic legends and a modern understanding of storytelling. His choice to cast Rajat Bedi signifies more than nostalgia — it marks a new generation of filmmakers redefining Bollywood’s storytelling tradition with intelligence, respect, and boldness.