When Babil Khan stepped into the Hindi film industry four years ago, he carried with him an open heart, wide eyes, and a child-like excitement for the craft of acting. Today, at 25, the young actor finds himself changed—more serious, more introspective, and aware of the pressures that come with being in the public eye. In a candid conversation, he opens up about the transformation he has undergone as an artist and as a person.
“I came into the industry with my heart and arms open, but it broke me,” Babil admits honestly. This raw sentiment underlines the emotional journey he has been through—from being an eager newcomer filled with passion and idealism to becoming someone who has learned to navigate the complexities of showbiz with caution and restraint.
Babil, son of the late legendary actor Irrfan Khan, entered the industry with high expectations surrounding his talent and lineage. But like many young actors who are catapulted into the spotlight, the reality of fame quickly presented itself in both obvious and subtle ways. For Babil, the change wasn’t just in how people saw him—it was in how he began to see himself.
He recalls an interview that deeply resonated with him. “I saw this (actor) Ranbir Kapoor’s interview with Nikhil Kamath, where he wore this t-shirt that said authenticity is transient. I related to that so much,” Babil shares. That phrase—authenticity is transient—hit home for the actor, encapsulating what he had been feeling but couldn’t quite articulate.
“We are in a public space and we have limelight on us, so you get stuck to an image, and you are subsequently told ‘abhi aap yahi ho’,” he says. “But I am a human being, and I will change as a person. Everyday my truth will change, it will evolve and become something else.”
This realization led Babil down a path of self-discovery and reflection. Being part of an industry that constantly wants to define and box artists into fixed categories is challenging, especially for someone still exploring their identity. The constant scrutiny and the pressure to live up to public perception can be daunting. Babil, however, has learned to embrace change as a vital part of growth.
“You aren’t going to be the same person you were four years ago,” he says thoughtfully. “Four years from now, I will probably not be the same, I’ll be something else and I don’t know what I’ll be. But that’s the point—not knowing where you’re going, but just go to try.”
These words reflect a maturity beyond his years. Babil is no longer the wide-eyed dreamer who first entered Bollywood. He is now an evolving artist, one who accepts uncertainty and fluidity as part of his truth. His thoughts reflect not just the journey of a young actor, but also the universal human experience of growing up and learning to live with ambiguity.
But it hasn’t all been easy. The industry, he notes, has a way of toughening people up—sometimes at the cost of their natural spontaneity and joy. “I miss that innocent excitement I had when I started,” he admits. “There was this pure love for acting, for cinema. Now, it’s different. There’s still love, but it’s more complex now. It’s wrapped up with responsibility, with pressure, with expectations.”
And those expectations aren’t just from fans or media, but also from within. “I hold myself to a certain standard because of who my father was,” Babil confesses. “I know people look at me and see his shadow. I want to make my own path, but I also don’t want to forget where I come from.”
That delicate balance between honoring legacy and forging individuality is a recurring theme in Babil’s life. His vulnerability, however, is what makes his journey relatable. In an industry that often rewards bravado, Babil’s openness about his struggles—be it emotional, psychological, or professional—is refreshing.
Despite the emotional toll, Babil doesn’t sound defeated. If anything, he sounds grounded—aware of his scars, but also of the strength they’ve given him. “It broke me, yes,” he says, referring to his early days in the industry, “but in a way, it also helped me find who I really am, beyond the image, beyond the name.”
Today, Babil is focused on deepening his craft. He’s more selective about the roles he takes, looking for stories that challenge him, that force him to grow. “I want to play characters that scare me a little,” he says. “If I’m too comfortable, then what’s the point?”
He also values authenticity—not in the sense of being one fixed version of himself, but in honoring whatever truth he’s living at that moment. “I think we put too much pressure on being one thing all the time,” he explains. “But as artists, and as people, we are always changing. That’s the beauty of it.”
Babil’s perspective is not just relevant for aspiring actors, but for anyone navigating personal and professional growth. His willingness to embrace change, even when it’s uncomfortable, is a reminder that transformation is often the price of progress.
As he continues to carve his path in the Hindi film industry, Babil Khan stands not just as an actor, but as a voice for emotional honesty in a space that often demands masks. His story is still unfolding, and he embraces that uncertainty with quiet courage.
“There’s a long road ahead,” he says. “And I don’t know where it’s going to lead me. But I’m here, I’m trying—and for now, that’s enough.”