Aryan Khan's The Bads of Bollywood: Lakshya Showcases How Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan Influenced His Character

Bollywood has always been the land of dreams, where thousands of tales of desire, glamour, and hardship come alive every day. One such tale has now been realized on screen with Aryan Khan‘s directorial venture, The Bads of Bollywood, exclusively streaming on Netflix. The series not only heralds the much-awaited start of Shah Rukh Khan‘s son Aryan as a director but also presents audiences to a dashing new face in the lead—Lakshya.

Taking on the role of Aasmaan Singh, Lakshya infuses on-screen with a fresh blend of honesty, charm, and vulnerability. In recent interviews, the actor spoke about how much he identified with the character and about the unexpected inspirations he drew upon while working towards it. What makes his confession all the more interesting is the fact that he took cues from Bollywood legends Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and other stars of the 90s, at the behest of Aryan himself.

Lakshya's Portrayal of Aasmaan Singh in The Bads of Bollywood

The core of the series is the saga of Aasmaan Singh, a zealous and ambitious young actor who aspires to become a big shot in the world of films. His tale captures the tribulations of many new entrants in Bollywood who come with stars in their eyes but have to learn to live in a ruthless world.

Lakshya said that when he first read the script, he immediately sensed a personal connection with the character. “I thought this is me or what I was,” he confessed. His character is blunt, candid, and never afraid to say what’s on his mind—qualities Lakshya himself could identify with. Over time, he said, individuals grow more urbane or “proper” to conform to society’s norms, but Aasmaan Singh embodies that unvarnished, bold aspect of an optimist who isn’t afraid to be himself.

How Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan Shaped the Character

In creating the finer details of his character, Lakshya didn’t have to search very far. Bollywood’s finest 90s stars were his point of reference. “My point of reference for the character was Shah Rukh sir, and all the 90s boys—Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan. The aura and the vibe were different,” he confessed.

In his opinion, the actresses of that time behaved in a manner that was magnetic without ever appearing forced. Their facial expressions, body language, and mannerisms seemed to build an aura that resonated with audiences right away. Aryan Khan motivated him to watch very carefully how Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan especially spoke, moved about, and conveyed themselves when they had just begun.

Lakshya pointed out that these actors were not rude or arrogant but entirely true to themselves. That same balance of humility and confidence was what he wanted to introduce into Aasmaan Singh. By tapping into the energy of 90s Bollywood icons, Lakshya provided his character with a nostalgic yet modern appeal.

Aryan Khan's Guidance Behind the Scenes

Whereas Aryan Khan is debuting as a director, his vision has impressed the cast and audience. Lakshya revealed that Aryan’s guidance helped him considerably in terms of how he performed. Aryan insisted that he be true to his instincts and not lose himself as an individual, a lesson that enabled Lakshya to give life to Aasmaan Singh without overthinking it.

Aryan’s advice to focus on the subtleties—such as tone of voice, body language, and the fine line between confidence and arrogance—helped Lakshya strike the perfect balance in his role. For the actor, this guidance turned the role into a transformative experience, teaching him not just how to act but how to truly “be” the character.

Similarities Between Lakshya and Aasmaan Singh

One of the reasons Lakshya’s work has resonated with viewers is the unnerving similarity between him and his character. He revealed that Aasmaan Singh is a side of him that is both authentic and raw. “This show has taught me to be myself,” Lakshya revealed.

Similar to Aasmaan, he is blunt and honest, though acknowledges that life only tempts individuals to soften their speech. Playing this role brought Lakshya back in touch with that side of his personality, and that honesty carried through well onto the screen. It is this honesty that makes Aasmaan Singh not only a character, but nearly an extension of Lakshya’s own personality.

The Stellar Ensemble Cast of The Bads of Bollywood

Aside from Lakshya’s stunning performance, The Bads of Bollywood has an ensemble cast filled with energy. The show has Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Rajat Bedi, Gautami Kapoor, and Manish Chaudhari playing key roles. Every actor brings a different depth of emotion to the story, making it interesting right until the end.

A bonus to the thrill, the series also features special guest appearances by Bollywood superstars Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh. Their appearance is a treat for the fans and adds to the star power of the show. With such a vibrant and multicultural cast, Aryan Khan has made sure each character is adding value to the story.

Why The Bads of Bollywood is More Than Just Another Series

What makes The Bads of Bollywood unique is its desire to look into the two sides of the movie industry. On the one side, it captures the glamour, the glitz, and the aspirations that Bollywood guarantees. On the other, it lifts the veil to show the problems, the insecurities, and the compromises that come with pursuing fame.

Aryan Khan’s vision blends gritty storytelling with chic presentation, setting the series apart in the current cluttered OTT landscape. Lakshya saw the show as more than performing a part—it became a process of discovering himself and learning to own his true self.

The Magic of 90s Bollywood in Modern Storytelling

Maybe the most interesting aspect of Lakshya’s performance is the way that it captures the nostalgic appeal of 90s Bollywood while nonetheless possessing a contemporary sensibility. The heroes of the time—Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt—were big in every sense of the term, but they were nonetheless down-to-earth and human.

By drawing inspiration from them, Lakshya managed to bring a certain old-school charisma to Aasmaan Singh while keeping him grounded in today’s reality. Combined with Aryan Khan’s fresh directorial style, this fusion makes the show appealing to both older audiences who grew up with 90s cinema and younger viewers who crave authentic storytelling.

Lakshya’s Debut and His Future in Bollywood

With his acting in The Bads of Bollywood, Lakshya has set himself up as a star to keep an eye on. In contrast to many new entrants who bank big on outside glamour, Lakshya’s appeal is that he can stay real while still managing to give a performance that works for the masses.

This debut has provided him with a robust platform, and his open-headedness indicates that he is likely to leave a lasting career in the sector. His trajectory traces that of most of the 90s superstars who began modestly but became names around the country.

Conclusion: A Transformative Journey for Lakshya

Aryan Khan’s The Bads of Bollywood is more than a star kid’s platform—it is a new, bold, and introspective approach to the industry at large. For Lakshya, it has been nothing but life-altering. Inspired by icons Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, ably nudge by Aryan’s keen direction, and endorsed by a top-drawer cast, he has been able to give a performance which is real and memorable.

Whether you’re a 90s throwback fan, interested in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, or simply searching for something to binge-watch that is glamorous and gritty at the same time, The Bads of Bollywood has it all. And if Lakshya’s performance as Aasmaan Singh is any indication of what is in store, Bollywood might just have its next breakout star.