By Sumavaya Iqbal 
Navigating Legacy and Grief in the Public Eye
Babil Khan, son of the legendary actor Irrfan Khan, has finally responded to critics who accuse him of leveraging his father’s death to gain popularity in Bollywood. Since Irrfan’s untimely passing in April 2020 after battling neuroendocrine cancer, Babil has been in the public eye—a spotlight he admits he wasn’t prepared for.
“I wasn’t ready for the attention that came after Baba passed away,” he shared during an interview with a major Indian publication. “Suddenly, the limelight shifted to me.”
A Tribute, Not Exploitation
Two years after Irrfan Khan’s death, Babil made his acting debut in the critically appreciated film Qala (2022). As his career gained momentum, so did whispers of nepotism and accusations of exploiting his father’s fame.
Babil firmly denies any such intentions. “If I was trying to capitalize on Baba’s death, I wouldn’t be out there giving auditions,” he said. “I shared memories of him because the nation had showered love on us during those tough times. It felt right to honour that connection.”
Trolling and Public Expectations
While Babil has embraced the emotional support from fans, he acknowledges the backlash that came with it. “There’s always a dark side to anything bright. The yin and yang. The moment you try to walk a balanced path, opinions begin to clash,” he added.
Even though the negative reactions stung, he chose not to be deterred. “Yes, I felt hurt at times. But I told myself—keep sharing, keep moving forward.”
Living Authentically Despite Criticism
Babil says he prefers to remain true to his feelings, even if that means confronting hate. “I live with emotions—I cry, I respond to negativity, and I express myself. I’m a shy person, but that doesn’t mean I’ll shrink from living life fully,” he explained.
As he continues carving his own identity in the film industry, Babil insists he will do so on his own terms, with honesty and heart.