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Choreographer Mudassar Khan recently shared a fascinating anecdote about Aryan Khan and Shah Rukh Khan’s interaction on the set of Aryan’s directorial debut series, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. The revelation has caught the attention of both fans and industry insiders, not just for the father-son dynamic it portrays, but also for the remarkable professionalism Aryan displayed toward his father on set. In an industry where legacy and hierarchy often intersect in complex ways, Aryan’s behavior offered a glimpse into his discipline, humility, and respect for professional boundaries.

In a candid conversation with Hindi Rush, Mudassar Khan, who choreographed the songs for Aryan Khan’s series, recalled how Aryan addressed Shah Rukh as “sir” instead of “dad” during a meeting in the superstar’s vanity van. According to Mudassar, the moment reflected Aryan’s deep regard for his father’s stature as an artist, as well as his desire to maintain professionalism while collaborating with him in a creative space. The story also highlighted how Aryan, despite being the son of one of the most celebrated actors in the world, is intent on forging his own path with seriousness and humility.

Mudassar Khan recounted that during the making of The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, he and Aryan had prepared a reference video to demonstrate how one of the songs in the series would look visually. The two then decided to show the concept to Shah Rukh Khan for his input. As Mudassar narrated, the duo walked into Shah Rukh’s vanity van where the actor was on a phone call. Aryan, instead of interrupting, waited patiently for his father to finish speaking before addressing him. When Shah Rukh turned toward them, Aryan said politely, “Sir, we have made something for the song—would you like to see it?”

Mudassar recalled being deeply impressed by that moment. For him, it wasn’t just about Aryan’s choice of words but about the manner in which he conducted himself. He noticed that Aryan’s tone was not casual or entitled; it was filled with genuine respect. Shah Rukh, known for his warmth and attentiveness, immediately agreed to see the video and said, “Yes, yes, show me.” Aryan and Mudassar then played the reference video they had prepared. After watching it, Shah Rukh praised their effort and said, “Very good.” Before leaving, he placed his hand affectionately on Mudassar’s head, a gesture that conveyed encouragement and appreciation.

The exchange did not end there. Mudassar revealed that he and Aryan had also created another pre-visualization video for the same sequence, designed to make the actual shooting process smoother. When Shah Rukh was about to leave, Mudassar hesitated for a moment and asked Aryan if they should show him the second video as well. Aryan then turned to his father and said, “Sir, if you have time, can we show you one more video?” This second instance left Mudassar even more stunned. He admitted that if he had been in Aryan’s position, he might have simply said, “Daddy, look what I’ve done!” But Aryan’s unwavering professionalism and the consistent use of “Sir” showed the respect he carried for Shah Rukh Khan not just as a father but as a legendary figure in the industry.

Mudassar described the experience as a valuable learning moment. He emphasized that even though Aryan could have easily relied on his lineage or treated the situation informally, he instead chose to maintain a clear boundary between personal and professional life. That, Mudassar said, spoke volumes about Aryan’s upbringing and his seriousness as a filmmaker. It also revealed the kind of relationship he shares with Shah Rukh Khan—a relationship built on mutual respect, admiration, and an understanding of professional decorum.

The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, Aryan Khan’s much-anticipated directorial debut, has been making waves ever since its release. Written and directed by Aryan, the series features Lakshya and Sahher Bambba in lead roles, with strong supporting performances from Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, and Mona Singh. The show also includes a number of special cameo appearances from some of the biggest names in the Hindi film industry, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, and Emraan Hashmi. The inclusion of so many major stars created a buzz even before the series premiered, but what truly captured audiences after its release was Aryan’s distinctive voice as a storyteller.

The series received widespread acclaim from both critics and viewers. Many praised Aryan for his sharp direction, his command over storytelling, and his signature sense of humor that blended seamlessly with the show’s edgy, satirical tone. Industry observers noted that Aryan had successfully stepped out of his father’s shadow by delivering something entirely his own—witty, bold, and full of personality. While Shah Rukh Khan made a cameo appearance, his presence never overshadowed Aryan’s creative vision. Instead, it served as a moment of pride for audiences who have watched Shah Rukh’s journey and are now witnessing his son’s emergence as a creative force in his own right.

Mudassar Khan’s comments further underline Aryan’s maturity and leadership on set. According to Mudassar, Aryan was fully in control of the creative process. He had a clear vision of how he wanted the songs and sequences to unfold and gave precise direction to his team. Despite being a first-time director, Aryan exuded confidence and calmness that impressed everyone around him. His decision to work with experienced professionals and to treat each department—choreography, cinematography, music, editing—with respect and openness created a collaborative environment that ultimately elevated the quality of the show.

Mudassar himself is a respected name in the film industry, known for his long-standing association with Salman Khan. He began his career choreographing hit songs like “Humka Peeni Hai” from Dabangg and went on to create memorable dance numbers such as “Desi Beat” (Bodyguard), “Dhinka Chika” and “Character Dheela Hai” (Ready), and “Pandey Ji Seeti” (Dabangg 2). He also choreographed the title track of Radhe. Over the years, Mudassar has been recognized not only for his energetic choreography style but also for his role as a judge on the dance reality show Dance India Danceacross several seasons. His endorsement of Aryan’s work and conduct therefore carries significant weight, reflecting Aryan’s ability to impress even seasoned industry veterans.

In an environment where nepotism debates often dominate conversations about Bollywood star kids, Aryan Khan’s behavior, as recounted by Mudassar Khan, stands as a refreshing example of humility and professionalism. Instead of leveraging his father’s name, Aryan chose to let his work speak for itself. By addressing Shah Rukh Khan as “sir” on set, he not only showed deference to the superstar’s seniority but also emphasized the seriousness with which he approached his craft. It suggested that Aryan was intent on being treated like any other filmmaker—judged not by his surname but by his skill and vision.

Shah Rukh Khan’s influence on Aryan, though indirect in this instance, is unmistakable. Known for his discipline, charm, and deep respect for his colleagues, Shah Rukh has often spoken about the importance of hard work and humility. Those values appear to have been passed down to his son, who seems determined to carve out his own identity in the entertainment industry. The incident described by Mudassar Khan is just one example of how Aryan embodies those principles in his professional life.

In the broader context of Bollywood’s generational evolution, Aryan’s journey marks a significant chapter. While his father conquered the screen with charisma and emotion, Aryan seems poised to explore the world behind the camera with intelligence and innovation. His debut series has already established him as a promising new storyteller, and stories like the one shared by Mudassar Khan only reinforce the impression that Aryan is a young artist who understands both the weight of his legacy and the importance of earning his place through merit.

In the end, the story of Aryan Khan calling Shah Rukh Khan “sir” may seem like a small detail, but it captures something profound about the changing dynamics of Bollywood and the new generation’s approach to artistry and respect. It reflects a son who honors his father not through privilege but through reverence, and a father who inspires respect not through authority but through the example he has set over decades. For Mudassar Khan, it was a moment of revelation. For audiences, it is a glimpse into the making of a new filmmaker who carries the grace, discipline, and work ethic of a true Khan—one who is ready to create his own legacy while standing tall beside the greatest of them all.