Bollywood Veteran Questions Depiction of industry in Son’s New Series

Mumbai, India – November 5, 2025 – A decades-long friendship and professional connection has prompted actor Viveck vaswani to publicly express his disappointment with the recent depiction of the Bollywood film industry in a new series starring Aryan khan, son of superstar shah Rukh Khan.

A History of Support for Shah Rukh Khan

Before ascending to international stardom, Shah Rukh Khan arrived in Mumbai as an aspiring actor. It was Viveck Vaswani who provided early support and shelter to the then-struggling actor. This generosity, alongside support from industry figures like Aziz Mirza and Saeed Mirza, is something Khan has frequently enough acknowledged throughout his illustrious career.

Vaswani, speaking on Radio Nasha Official, questioned the narrative presented in his son’s new show, suggesting it doesn’t reflect the kindness he witnessed during Khan’s formative years. He stated the initial environment Khan experienced was one of immense warmth and assistance, notably given he arrived as an outsider.

“why Paint the Industry as Bad?” – Vaswani’s Concerns

“When Shah Rukh came into the industry, the amount of love and respect that Aziz Mirza and nirmala gave him, and that me and my mother gave him, and Saeed Mirza gave him… everyone treated him with so much affection,” Vaswani recounted. “So when did he come to the conclusion that Bollywood is a gutter and everyone in it is bad people? He is the one person who was treated with kid gloves as a rank outsider.”

Vaswani emphasized that Khan never faced hardship in the customary sense, enjoying comfortable living arrangements and unwavering support from key industry players. he highlighted that after his marriage, when needing new accommodation, aziz Mirza provided him with a house in Bandra, further illustrating the welcoming spirit he encountered.

A personal Reflection and Industry Pride

“Maybe I am the only one in the country who may have felt like this,” Vaswani admitted, “but I am also the only one whose house he lived in for two years. So, I feel entitled to ask: Why did you think we were a bad industry? Why did you personally think that everyone was bad? Why was there not one redeeming character in the show? Som

How does Viveck Vaswani’s critique of Shah Rukh Khan’s involvement in ‘The Batch Boys’ reflect broader concerns about celebrity branding in Bollywood?

Viveck Vaswani Critiques Shah Rukh Khan on Aryan Khan‘s ‘The batch Boys’: Bollywood’s Changing Tides Explored

The Controversy Unfolds: Vaswani’s direct Assessment

Viveck Vaswani, a veteran actor and director known for his candid opinions, recently voiced his critique of shah Rukh Khan’s involvement in his son Aryan Khan’s venture, ‘The Batch Boys’ – a men’s grooming brand. Vaswani’s comments, circulating widely on social media, haven’t been shy about questioning the strategic direction and potential implications for both SRK’s brand and the evolving landscape of bollywood endorsements. The core of his argument centers around the perceived disconnect between Khan’s established image and the brand’s target demographic.

This isn’t simply a case of one industry personality offering an opinion; it’s a reflection of a broader conversation about celebrity branding, nepotism in Bollywood, and the pressures faced by star kids entering entrepreneurial spaces. The debate has ignited discussions about authenticity and the evolving expectations of consumers.

Decoding Vaswani’s Critique: Key Points

Vaswani’s assessment wasn’t a blanket dismissal of ‘The Batch Boys’ but a nuanced critique focusing on several key areas:

* Brand Alignment: He questioned whether SRK’s established persona – often associated with romance and family values – seamlessly aligns with a men’s grooming brand marketed towards a younger,potentially more edgy audience.

* Aryan Khan’s Role: The discussion extended to Aryan Khan’s own brand identity and whether his involvement feels organic or driven by familial influence. This touches upon the ongoing debate surrounding star kids in business and the challenges they face in establishing credibility.

* The Shifting sands of bollywood: Vaswani framed his critique within the context of a changing Bollywood, where traditional star power isn’t always enough to guarantee success. He suggests a need for more strategic and authentic brand partnerships.

* Marketing Strategies: he implied that the marketing around ‘The Batch Boys’ might be relying too heavily on SRK’s name recognition rather than building a strong brand identity independent of his fame. This is a common concern in Bollywood marketing.

‘The Batch Boys’ and the Men’s Grooming Market: A Competitive Landscape

The men’s grooming market in India is experiencing significant growth. According to recent reports (like the one from Grand View Research, estimating the dual and multi energy computed tomography market at USD 975.1 million in 2024 with a 7.7% CAGR – a parallel illustrating market expansion), the industry is projected to continue its upward trajectory. this growth is fueled by:

* Increased Male Awareness: Men are becoming increasingly conscious of their appearance and are actively seeking grooming products.

* Social Media Influence: Platforms like Instagram and YouTube are playing a crucial role in shaping grooming trends and influencing purchasing decisions.

* Rising Disposable Income: A growing middle class with increased disposable income is driving demand for premium grooming products.

‘The Batch Boys’ enters a crowded market already populated by established players like Beardo, Bombay Shaving Company, and Ustraa, as well as international brands.To succeed, the brand needs to differentiate itself beyond celebrity endorsement. Men’s skincare, beard care, and hair styling products are key segments within this market.

Shah rukh Khan’s Brand Portfolio: A History of Endorsements

Shah rukh Khan is renowned for his carefully curated brand portfolio. He’s associated with a diverse range of products, from luxury watches (Tag Heuer) to consumer goods (Hyundai). His success as a brand ambassador stems from:

* Mass appeal: SRK enjoys widespread popularity across demographics.

* Trustworthiness: He’s generally perceived as a credible and relatable figure.

* Long-term Partnerships: He frequently enough maintains long-term relationships with brands, fostering a sense of consistency.

Though, even SRK’s brand power isn’t immune to scrutiny. Recent endorsements have faced criticism for perceived overexposure or a lack of alignment with his core values. This highlights the increasing importance of brand authenticity in the modern marketing landscape.

The Impact of Nepotism and Star Kids in Bollywood Business

The involvement of Aryan Khan in ‘The Batch Boys’ inevitably brings the issue of nepotism in Bollywood to the forefront. While star kids frequently enough benefit from initial advantages – access to networks, financial resources, and media attention – they also face heightened expectations and scrutiny.

* The Pressure to Perform: Star kids are often judged more harshly than their non-nepotistic counterparts.

* Establishing Credibility: Building a reputation based on merit rather than lineage is a significant challenge.

* Public Perception: The public is increasingly aware of the privileges enjoyed by star kids,leading to skepticism and criticism.

Triumphant examples of star kids who have carved their own paths in business – like Rhea Kapoor (film production) or Masaba Gupta (fashion) – demonstrate that success is absolutely possible, but it requires hard work, innovation, and a genuine passion for the venture.

Bollywood’s Changing Tides: A Need for Reinvention

Vaswani’s critique isn’t just