Aryan Khan — Rise, Reality & Reinvention

Introduction

Aryan Khan, born 13 November 1997, is the son of global Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan and producer-designer Gauri Khan. Over the years, Aryan has shifted from being known purely as a celebrity offspring to carving out his own identity as a businessman, writer-director, and public persona. This article dives into his upbringing, career milestones, controversies, entrepreneurial ventures, and his influence on pop culture in 2025.

Early Life & Education

• Aryan studied film and television production (including time abroad). His education likely contributed to creative literacy, storytelling skills, and understanding of the entertainment business.

• Though born into the limelight, he maintained relatively low public appearances during school and college years, building behind-the-scenes experience.

Career Beginnings & Screen Presence

• His first on-screen appearance was a flashback role in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, playing a younger version of his father’s character. Though small, it was a symbolic beginning.

• Over the years, he avoided acting roles, choosing instead to learn and prepare. His more public roles have come as director, writer, and producer rather than as actor.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood – Directorial & Writing Debut

About the Series

• The Ba**ds of Bollywood* is Aryan’s debut as showrunner, director, and co-writer, produced under Red Chillies Entertainment.

• The series is a satirical action-comedy-drama set in the Bollywood landscape, exploring ambition, fame, and the unseen struggles behind glamour.

• It premiered on Netflix on 18 September 2025.

Cast, Writing & Production

• Ensemble cast includes Lakshya Lalwani, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, among others.

• Co-writers & co-creators: Bilal Siddiqui and Manav Chauhan.

Themes & Public Reaction

• The narrative leans into satire and self-aware humor — some scenes (e.g. character behind bars) have led fans to speculate about autobiographical references, especially to Aryan’s own legal past.

• The show has stirred both praise and controversy. For instance, there is a defamation suit by former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede, claiming that the show’s portrayal of a figure similar to him is damaging and false.

Controversies & Legal History

• In 2021 Aryan was arrested in the infamous Cordelia Cruise drugs case. He was ultimately not convicted, but the event had a significant impact on his public image.

• The recent defamation lawsuit is one of the major legal challenges associated with his work on The Ba**ds of Bollywood*.

Entrepreneurial Ventures & Brand Building

Aryan has branched out beyond entertainment into business and luxury lifestyle. Key ventures include:

• Slab Ventures (2022): Alongside partners, he co-launched D’yavol, a luxury collective brand.

  • D’yavol Vodka (premium vodka)

  • D’yavol Inception (a blended malt scotch)

  • D’yavol X (apparel/luxury streetwear) launched in 2023.

  • Also co-founding D’Yavol Añejo tequila, a premium venture planned for global launch in December.

• These business moves reflect a trend of celebrity entrepreneurship, leveraging brand heritage (his family’s stature) while also tailoring to global luxury markets. It shows Aryan’s intention to build investments in business that go beyond Bollywood fame.

Public Image, Relationships & Media Presence

• Aryan is often described by co-actors and media as “shy but warm”, someone who carries the weight of being Shah Rukh Khan’s son but seeks his own path.

• He has been linked in media to Larissa Bonesi, a model/actress, though many reports label this relationship as “rumoured”. Bonesi has publicly praised him, calling him “unstoppable” or “World’s #1”, which has fueled fan interest.

Impact & Significance

• Aryan’s transition from “celebrity child” to creator, entrepreneur, and director is emblematic of shifting generational roles in Bollywood. Younger entrants are more interested in authorship, brand building, and diversified portfolios.

• His business ventures contribute to evolving definitions of celebrity investments, where fame is leveraged as an asset, but success depends on quality, branding, and actual market performance.

• The controversies around his show and legal matters spark conversation about freedom of expression, artistic license, and the responsibilities of high-profile creators.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: When did Aryan Khan make his directorial debut and with which project?
A: Aryan Khan made his directorial debut with The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, a satirical action-comedy series, released on Netflix on 18 September 2025.

Q2: What businesses does Aryan Khan run?
A: He co-founded D’yavol under Slab Ventures, which includes premium spirits like vodka, scotch, and tequila, luxury apparel under D’yavol X, and lifestyle branding.

Q3: What controversies has Aryan Khan been involved in?
A: The significant controversies include the 2021 Cordelia Cruise drug case, from which he was eventually cleared. More recently, a defamation suit by Sameer Wankhede, who alleges the portrayal of a character similar to him in The Ba**ds of Bollywood* is defamatory.

Q4: How is Aryan Khan balancing legacy vs his own identity?
A: He seems to be doing so via choosing creative roles (director / writer) rather than just acting, building his own brands, and being relatively restrained in stepping into the limelight except through his work. Media acknowledgments of his individual identity (“holding his own”) suggest he is being noticed on his own merits.

Q5: What is the public reception of The Bads of Bollywood*?**
A: The show has generated anticipation and buzz for its meta commentary on Bollywood, cameos, production values, and the novelty of Aryan directing. There is also debate and legal pushback (e.g. defamation). Critics and audiences are curious about how much is real vs dramatized.

Conclusion

Aryan Khan is at a pivotal point in his career. As of late 2025, he is breaking out of the shadow of being “Shah Rukh Khan’s son”, stepping into roles that require vision, accountability, and risk. Between his directorial debut, business ventures like D’yavol, and public scrutiny, he is testing how modern celebrity can encompass creativity, commerce, and controversy all at once.

For those interested in Bollywood trends, celebrity branding, or how new-age creators are reshaping legacy industries, Aryan Khan is a name to watch closely.