Kozhikode: Congress MP and author Shashi Tharoor recently took to social media to share his glowing review of Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, calling it “absolute OTT gold.”

The Netflix series, which stars Lakshya Lalwani, Bobby Deol, and Sahher Bambba, has been among the most talked-about digital releases of the year.

However, what started as a simple appreciation post soon spiralled into controversy after a social media user accused Tharoor of being paid to promote the show. The troll commented, “Shashi Tharoor's new side business – Paid reviews.”

Never one to mince words, Tharoor swiftly shot back with a dignified yet sharp response. He wrote, “I’m not for sale, my friend. No opinion I express has ever been paid for by anybody, in cash or in kind.”

The Congress MP’s reply quickly went viral, earning praise for his candour and wit.

Earlier, while reviewing Aryan Khan’s series, Tharoor had shared that he had been unwell for a few days and, on his sister Smita Tharoor’s suggestion, decided to watch the Netflix show — an experience he described as completely rewarding.

“I’ve had a cold and cough for two days and had to cancel engagements. My team and my sister, @smitatharoor, got me to spend some time away from the computer watching a @NetflixIndia series, and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself: absolute #OTT GOLD!” he wrote.

The politician praised Aryan Khan’s direction, adding,

“It takes some time to grow on you, but once it does, you’re completely hooked! The writing is crisp, the director is brave, and the sheer audacity of this satire is just what Bollywood needed.”

Tharoor described the seven-episode series as a “brilliant, often amusing, sometimes heartbreaking, and always unflinching look beyond the glamour,” applauding Aryan’s bold storytelling.

He ended his post with a heartfelt note for Shah Rukh Khan, saying, “SRK: from one father to another, let me say—you must be so proud!”