Why Actor Babil Khan Does Not Want To Fill His Father, Irrfan's Shoes

Babil Khan, although nascent in India’s entertainment industry, has become the new-gen face of extraordinary talent. The Railway Men star has garnered praise from the audience as well as noted critics and filmmakers for the versatility he has showcased in his performances in just three releases. Soon, Khan will be seen in a music video titled 'Dastoor' with musician Jasleen Royal, featuring him in a romantic persona, unique to his other performances so far.

Being the son of the legendary Irrfan Khan and writer Sutapa Sikdar, Babil Khan was bound to be inclined to the arts, demonstrating a peerless flair. While Khan has managed to defy the notion that most "nepo kids" in the entertainment industry are attached to, he has also etched his individual, unique trajectory. 

Stepping Into Stardom

Babil Khan grabbed admiration since his debut as Jagan Batwal in Qala, for which he received accolades like the IIFA 2023 and Zee Cine Awards. In an interview with Prajakta Koli and Netflix, the 25-year-old opened up about wanting to be a performer and seen as a star since childhood, seeing his father perform. He said, "I am not a star yet. But before I started getting all the attention I have now, I thought I really wanted the attention till I got it. I feel like wanting to be famous, deep inside, is a desire to find love."

Khan's choice of roles and projects make it evident that he has carved a distinct niche for himself. He told Koli that coming from the towering legacy that Irrfan Khan set, he had to work hard to become an artist of his own. "The truth is that I shouldn't even attempt to fill my father's shoes because I am not him. He brought me up with so much love and concern for who I was as an individual. If I let that individuality go and try to fill his shoes to be 'Irrfan Khan's son', he would be so hurt," Khan expressed.

Poignant Observations

The interview with Netflix aptly described Khan's ability to transcend into an earnest and pensive mood, which is also reflected in his social media posts. He uses his platform to shed light on social issues and diverse human experiences. Khan also often shares self-written poetry and articulates meaningful thoughts that express the fathomless depth of his creative imagination. 

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His Instagram bio reads, "Son of Sutapa Sikdar," paying an ode to the underappreciated talent and individuality of his mother. Sikdar is known for her exceptional work as a writer in the film industry, credited for delivering films like Kahaani and Madaari. Khan also shares reels of spending small but significant moments with her, which emulates the precious relationship that they share as they cope with the grief of losing Irrfan. 

Khan has been able to express his soft side, candidly expressing his grief over losing his father. In a world where men are expected to hold a stoic image, Khan has showcased his vulnerable side, which has especially been rare in the entertainment industry that feeds us heroes who show no emotion. Whether in interviews or his roles, Babil Khan has made it clear right from the get-go that he is out of the ordinary, setting a foundation of how raw he wants to be perceived.

Views expressed by the author are their own