In a surprising revelation, veteran actor Manoj Pahwa has disclosed that he initially turned down an offer to star in Aryan Khan's directorial debut Bads of Bollywood, the Netflix series that became a massive hit in 2025. The seasoned performer, known for his memorable roles across Indian cinema and television, recalled his hesitation and the eventual journey that led him to become one of the show's fan-favorite characters.
The Initial Refusal and Delhi Attitude
During a recent interview with Mashable India, Pahwa recounted his first interaction with Aryan Khan, who approached him directly for a role without requiring an audition. The actor revealed his initial skepticism, stating that when his manager informed him the production team wasn't sharing scripts with actors, his Delhi sensibilities kicked in.
"I had asked for the script, but my manager told me that they weren't giving the show's script to anybody. That put me off," Pahwa explained. "I am from Delhi, so I was like, 'I won't do it either. Hoga apne ghar ka, hum bhi kam nahi hai.' I had done a few films with Shah Rukh, but we didn't share any major personal bond."
The Script That Changed Everything
What turned the situation around was an unexpected development a week later. The production team made an exception for Pahwa, sending him four different scripts despite their policy of not sharing materials with actors. This special consideration came specifically because he had refused the role initially.
"When I finally met the team, they told me, 'Please don't tell anyone we gave you the script because we haven't shared it with any other actors. We sent it to you only because you had refused the role,'" Pahwa recalled. After reading the material, he found himself genuinely impressed and decided to join the project.
Creative Challenges and Director's Vision
Once on board, Pahwa faced creative challenges that pushed him beyond his comfort zone. The actor expressed discomfort with the extensive use of abusive language his character required, often objecting during filming. However, Aryan Khan remained firm in his directorial vision.
"Sometimes I used to object, but he would say, 'Achha lagega, sir!' He made me abuse so much — I wasn't comfortable with it," Pahwa shared. "Aryan told me, 'Sir, aapke mooh se gaali achhi lagti hai.' As an actor, I can only suggest things. The final verdict is always the director's."
Working with Shah Rukh Khan's Support
An interesting aspect of the production was Shah Rukh Khan's presence on set, where he regularly visited to support his son's directorial venture. Pahwa fondly remembered the superstar's warmth and hospitality, sharing a particularly memorable invitation.
"Shah Rukh sir was extremely kind on set. He would often say, 'Come to Mannat, daaru peete hai (let's have alcohol),'" the actor recalled with a laugh, highlighting the informal and supportive atmosphere during filming.
The Successful Outcome and Character Impact
Despite his initial reservations, Pahwa expressed complete satisfaction with the final product. The series became one of Netflix's most-watched shows, trending in the platform's Top 10 list for several weeks and earning Aryan Khan a place among the best debut directors of the year.
In Bads of Bollywood, Pahwa played Lakshya Lalwani's uncle — a struggling musician whose life transforms after going viral on social media, finally receiving recognition for his long-overlooked talent. The performance emerged as one of the series' highlights, resonating strongly with audiences.
"I am very happy with the way he made the show. It turned out great and became extremely popular," Pahwa concluded. "They paid us fully and treated us with a lot of respect." The actor's journey from refusal to celebrated participation underscores the compelling creative process behind one of 2025's most talked-about streaming successes.
