Aryan Khan: Charting a New Path Beyond the Legacy
Introduction
Aryan Khan, the eldest son of Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, is forging his own path in the world of entertainment—and beyond. Studying film in the U.S., entrepreneurship, voice acting, and now stepping behind the camera to direct a Netflix series—Aryan is slowly but steadily shedding the tag of “star kid.”
In 2025, his debut as writer-director on The Bads of Bollywood marks a major milestone. This blog delves into Aryan’s journey—his early life, ventures, creative debut, public reception, and emerging identity in his own right.
Early Life & Background
Education & Formative Years
Born on 12 November 1997, in Mumbai, Aryan spent his early years amidst the glitz of Bollywood while maintaining a grounded upbringing. He attended Dhirubhai Ambani International School before moving to Sevenoaks School in Kent, UK . In 2020, he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts from USC in the U.S.
Childhood Roles & Voice Work
Aryan first appeared as Young Rahul in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… (2001). Transitioning behind the mic, he lent his voice to Dash in The Incredibles (Hindi dub, 2004) and voiced Simba in The Lion King (Hindi, 2019) and Mufasa (2024)
Entrepreneurial Ventures & Creative Growth
Slab Ventures & D’yavol Brand
In 2022, Aryan co-founded Slab Ventures with Bunty Singh and Leti Blagoeva, launching the luxury line D’yavol This included D’yavol Vodka in partnership with Anheuser-Busch InBev, followed by D’yavol Inception Scotch in 2023 and the apparel brand D’yavol X
His first directorial effort—a promotional video starring Shah Rukh—marked the beginning of his behind-the-camera journey
Move to Filmmaking: The Bads of Bollywood
From 2023–2024, Aryan wrote, directed, and served as showrunner for a Netflix series set in the Hindi film industry. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, The Bads of Bollywood boasts a cast including Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, and cameos by Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Karan Johar, and others
Public Debut & Reception
Launch and Speech
On 20 August 2025, Aryan launched The Bads of Bollywood in Mumbai. He delivered his first-ever public speech, humorously expressing his nerves and requesting forgiveness for any mistakes—backed by scripts and his father. Shah Rukh Khan supported the moment, adding both warmth and humor
Critique & Fan Reaction
While some critics labeled the speech as staged, fans defended Aryan’s sincerity, stressing his credibility more as a director than a public speaker. Industry figures like Karan Johar, Malaika Arora, and Ananya Panday praised the preview’s energy and his bold storytelling approach
Public Persona & Personal Life
Personal Branding & Public Image
Aryan is known for being private yet stylish. New Year celebrations in 2025 with his rumored girlfriend, model Larissa Bonesi, generated buzz—not just for their fashion but also for Aryan’s composed demeanor amidst media attention
Overcoming Legal Challenges
In October 2021, Aryan was arrested in a high-profile cruise ship drug raid but was cleared of all charges in May 2022. Subsequent investigations implicated the lead NCB officer in corruption and extortion, affirming Aryan’s innocence
Aryan Khan at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 12 November 1997, Mumbai |
| Education | USC (Film & TV Production) |
| Early Roles | Child actor; voice dubbing (Simba, Dash) |
| Entrepreneurship | Slab Ventures; D’yavol Vodka, Scotch, Apparel |
| Directorial Debut | The Bads of Bollywood, Netflix series |
| Family Background | Son of Shah Rukh Khan & Gauri Khan |
| Legal Matter | Arrested 2021; acquitted 2022 |
| Public Debut | Speech at series launch (August 2025) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | ₹80 crores approx (2025) |
| Rumored Relationship | Linked with Larissa Bonesi |
Key Traits Setting Aryan Apart
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Educational Foundation: A strong US film school background.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: Building lifestyle brands with global reach.
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Creative Identity: Bold debut as a director breaking from acting legacy.
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Resilience: Navigated legal challenges with grace and integrity.
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Humility in Spotlight: Openly expressed nervousness and sought forgiveness, winning hearts.
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Privacy & Elegance: Balances public interest with personal discretion.
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Strategic Collaborations: Taps into his father’s network without overshadowing his vision.
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Cultural Commentary: His debut series both celebrates and critiques Bollywood.
Conclusion
Aryan Khan is no mere heir to Bollywood royalty—he is emerging as a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and storyteller with his own voice. From silent roles to vocal creativity, his trajectory from USC student to Netflix director reflects ambition, authenticity, and nuance. As The Bads of Bollywood creates anticipation, Aryan stands poised at the intersection of legacy and innovation.
