Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s son Ibrahim Ali Khan made his much-awaited debut in the Hindi film industry with Khushi Kapoor co-starrer Nadaaniyan. The direct-to-OTT release became meme material for the internet, with netizens having a field day criticising the movie. Having faced severe backlash for his performance in the film, he recently reflected on the growing negative criticisms towards star kids, even before they make their debut. He even gave an example of how his sister Sara Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Ananya Panday were targeted and judged.
Sharing his side on the nepotism debate, Khan expressed how, unlike the earlier times when people used to be excited for a star kid’s debut like Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor, today people feel a genuine contempt for the “nepo kids.” Having firsthandly experienced it all during the release of Nadaaniyan, he added how Sara, Ananya and Janhvi became “instant targets” where not only was their work critiqued, but people also “judged their existence.”
SEE ALSO: Netizens Want Ibrahim To Take Notes From Kartik & Sara’s Old Interview, After His Recent Interview; Here’s Why
Quoted by News18, the 24-year-old actor told GQ, “They became instant targets. People didn’t just critique their work—they judged their existence. I realised then that anyone from a film background was going to face an uphill battle, no matter their talent.”
Ibrahim went on to add that he wanted to join the movies sooner, but then realised that anyone from a film background would face backlash no matter what. He said, “I was hoping to join the movies sooner. I realised that anyone from a film background looking to debut as an actor from then on was going to face backlash, no matter how good they may be. I was prepared for it, but didn’t expect it to be so harsh.”
SEE ALSO: Ibrahim Ali Khan Finally Opens Up About Debut Movie Nadaaniyan: ‘Bad Script, Bad Movie…’
During the same interview, Khan added that he received a “very sweet message” from Priyanka Chopra after watching his film. “Priyanka Chopra sent me a very sweet message saying she watched the film and thinks I have a bright future. She said I have to hold my head high and keep grinding; and that I must grow a thick skin. Coming from someone as accomplished as she is, I felt really comforted and motivated,” she concluded.
Directed by Shauna Gautam, Nadaaniyan stars debutant Ibrahim Ali Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Jugal Hansraj, Dia Mirza, Suniel Shetty, and Mahima Chaudhry, among many others. The film is currently streaming on Netflix, having premiered on March 7, 2025.
On the work front, Ibrahim Ali Khan will reportedly be next seen in yet another Karan Johar back film, Sarzameen, which co-stars Kajol.
