INTERVIEW BABIL KHAN

STAR OF THE ΜΟΝΤΗ

Irrfan Khan. Such was his warm presence that we miss his passing even though we aren’t related to him. The bond which exists owes its genesis to his films. He enacted his roles so genuinely that the joys and sorrows felt by his characters felt almost palpable. His son, Babil, is a budding actor who opened his innings with Qala. And critics gave him raving reviews. Babil, however, knows he has miles to go before he touches his Baba’s greatness and is willing to put in the grit and the toil needed to climb that pinnacle. In our interview, a son’s longing and hero worship comes through, as does his determination to one day make his late father proud. 

Do you feel the pressure of being Irrfan Khan’s son?

Baba wasn’t a star; he was an artiste. In fact, it is difficult to define him as just an artiste. He was a larger-than-life man. Acting is not his only legacy. He used to say that he couldn’t get complacent in living his life. How to live life is also his legacy. I am only 24 years old and I want to enjoy my life with my friends. I also want to romance like other guys my age but I can’t. Getting up every morning and sitting alone to meditate and centre myself is difficult at my age. But I am doing that. I am no longer afraid of pressure but am motivated by it because you cannot act out of fear. 

Describe the bond you shared with him.