Born in 1998, late Irrfan Khan’s son Babil Khan has become quite a star in Bollywood. After completing his education, Babil, who celebrates his 27th birthday today, started his journey in films as a camera assistant in the Bollywood film 'Qarib Qarib Single.’
He then made his debut in Bollywood with ‘Qala’ and since then has become a popular name in the industry.
However, what makes Babil different from his peers is often dominated by larger-than-life, macho heroes. Babil stands apart because of his remarkable sensitivity and soul.
Babil’s acting is marked by an understated honesty. In ‘Qala’, he portrayed a nuanced character grappling with complex emotions, not the usual bravado.
In his 2023 film ‘Friday Night Plan’ and his recent venture on Zee 5, ‘Logout’, his performances continued to reflect depth and sincerity. This stands in contrast to the typical macho bravura Bollywood often celebrates.
Offscreen, too, Babil is known for his warm and genuine nature. His qualities ideally endear him to audiences.
However, trolls know no better
Unfortunately, the reality is different. When Babil shows vulnerability or kindness, he is mocked. His recent viral video, where he called Bollywood “the most fakest, fakest, fakest industry” he’s been a part of, sparked mixed reactions.
While some appreciated his strength and courage to speak up, many called it an attention seeking stunt.
In early May, Babil had shared a video of himself, crying, taking names of many Bollywood stars. He later deleted the video, but by then Reddit had already laid its hands on the deleted Instagram video.
In the video, Babil criticised Ananya Panday, Arjun Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Adarsh Gourav among others. He said, “What I mean to say is that I just want you guys to know that there are people like Shanaya Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Arjun Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal, Adarsh Gourav and Arijit Singh. There are so many more names. Bollywood is so f*****. Bollywood is so screwed.”
In another clip, posted on Reddit, Babil said, "Bollywood is the most fakest, fakest, fakest industry that I've ever ever been a part of. But there are few people that want Bollywood to be better (smiles)...I got to show to you so much more, so much more, so much more. I have so much more to give you..."
For decades, male actors have been expected to embody toughness, aggression, and emotional restraint. These traits, often glorified as the ideal man, shape the stories Bollywood tells and the heroes it celebrates. This narrow definition leaves little room for softness, tenderness, or vulnerability, qualities Babil represents so naturally.
But it’s time to rethink what we expect from our heroes. Sensitivity isn’t weakness. It’s a different kind of strength. The actor's gentle approach offers something crucial: a break from toxic masculinity, and a glimpse of men as complex, emotional beings capable of kindness and honesty.
