The Bads of Bollywood Cast: Who’s Who in Aryan Khan’s Debut

Introduction

Netflix’s The Bads of Bollywood (sometimes stylised The Ba**ds of Bollywood*) is Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, slated for release on 18 September 2025. Produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment, the series is a satire‑driven, self‑aware take on stardom, nepotism, and the inner workings of Bollywood. One of the biggest draws for the show is its ensemble cast, which combines established stars, rising actors, and many cameo appearances. Understanding the cast lineup offers insight into how the show aims to balance mainstream appeal with biting commentary.

In this article, we examine the cast of The Bads of Bollywood, what each actor brings to the table, how cameos are used, and how critics have responded to performances. We also include a table summary and list of key cast members, plus some observations and what viewers can expect from the performances.

Main & Supporting Cast

Core Ensemble

Below is the list of the main actors who are part of the central ensemble, their roles (where known), and their past relevance in Bollywood.

Cameo Appearances & Special Guest Cast

One of the unique features of The Bads of Bollywood is its inclusion of many cameo appearances by prominent film personalities. These special appearances serve to satirize, parody, or simply add meta‑flavor to the series.

What the Cast Brings to the Series

Strengths & Highlights

• Fresh Faces + Veterans: Combining newcomers (Lakshya, Sahher) with veterans (Bobby Deol, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh) gives the series a blend of energy and credibility. It helps in making the satire resonate with both younger and more mature audiences.

• Comic Timing & Spoofs: Raghav Juyal is especially being highlighted by reviewers for successfully delivering comedic punchlines and scene‑stealing moments. Cameos also lean into Bollywood’s well‑known gossip, controversies, and celebrity traits.

• Meta Commentary Through Cameos: Using big names in cameo roles (playing themselves or exaggerated versions) allows the show to critique industry norms (nepotism, media, scandals) in an entertaining way.

Criticisms & Concerns

• Some reviews note that while cameos are fun, they sometimes feel superficial—more for eye candy than for contributing to plot. Overuse of celebrity appearance could risk taking viewers away from the core narrative.

• A few critics have said that character arcs for the supporting cast are less developed, leading to moments where the focus shifts too heavily onto spectacle rather than depth.

Full Cast Summary

Here’s a more comprehensive table summarizing the full cast list known so far, with main, supporting, and cameo roles:

Viewer & Critical Response to Cast

What Critics Say

• Many critics have appreciated Lakshya Lalwani for his “wide‑eyed energy” and embodiment of the hopeful outsider. 

• Bobby Deol is viewed as providing balance—his more restrained presence helps ground some of the zaniness. The cameo appearances, especially by Emraan Hashmi, have been singled out by audiences as among the most memorable scenes. 

What Audiences Are Saying

• On social media, many viewers have praised how each actor seems “in on the joke” — meaning the cast does not seem to be taking themselves too seriously, which helps the satire.

• Some fans are surprised by the boldness of casting certain personalities in cameo roles, especially when they are parodied or shown in industry‑politics sketches.

• Others have expressed that while the cast is large, the show sometimes juggles too many characters for every episode to give them full arcs. But overall sentiment leans positive around cast performance.

Five Key Takeaways on the Cast

1. Balance between fresh talent and seasoned actors: This blend helps in both narrative freshness and performance solidity.

2. Strong cameos boost buzz: Big names appearing as themselves get attention and help with promotion, plus comedic relief.

3. Comic / satirical roles are crucial: Actors like Raghav Juyal and the cameo stars elevate these lighter, self‑aware moments.

4. Risk of crowding: With so many characters, there’s always a risk of under‑utilization; some supporting cast may feel less fleshed out.

5. Meta narrative relies on performance: For satire & commentary to land, actors must commit to parody without coming off as simply mocking—many cast members seem to have achieved this balance.

Conclusion

The cast of The Bads of Bollywood is one of its greatest strengths. From Lakshya Lalwani's ambitious protagonist to Sahher Bambba's co‑lead energy, and veterans like Bobby Deol and Manoj Pahwa anchoring the narrative, the core team holds its ground well. The cameo appearances—Shah Rukh Khan, Emraan Hashmi, and others—add layers of meta commentary, entertainment, and intrigue.

While there are inevitable trade‑offs in ensemble shows (some characters get less screen time, some arcs feel rushed), overall the cast selection seems smart and in tune with the show’s satirical tone. If you enjoy Bollywood insider looks, cameos, and a fun yet pointed critique of industry culture, the cast of this series promises a lot.