By Anil Merani: Babil Khan’s recent emotional outbursts, notably his viral video from May 4, 2025, in which he labelled Bollywood the “fakest industry” and expressed feelings of alienation, underscore the difficulties he faces in achieving a major theatrical breakthrough despite his lineage as the son of the late Irrfan Khan. These incidents and his career trajectory suggest that even a prestigious legacy does not guarantee success in mainstream Bollywood.
Outbursts Reflect Industry Struggles: In the now-deleted Instagram video, Babil appeared visibly emotional, criticizing the toxic atmosphere of Bollywood and referencing peers like Ananya Panday and Arjun Kapoor. Although he later clarified that the video was “extremely misinterpreted” and intended to show admiration for these actors, his initial remarks and subsequent decision to deactivate his Instagram account indicate a deep sense of frustration and isolation. Social media posts echoed this sentiment, with users describing Bollywood as “fake, bitchy, unempathetic” and rife with “groupies” and “sick politics.” This suggests that Babil’s lineage has not shielded him from industry cliques or power dynamics. His earlier interviews also reveal a pattern of hurt caused by the industry’s harsh realities, where he mentioned feeling “broken” and experiencing anxiety, even though he entered the industry with an “open heart.”
Lineage Not Enough for Theatrical Success: Despite being the son of Irrfan Khan, Babil has yet to secure a major theatrical hit. While his critically acclaimed performances in OTT projects like Qala (2022), The Railway Men (2023), and Log Out (2025) have established him as a talented actor, his filmography still relies heavily on digital platforms. The absence of a confirmed wide theatrical release, even with upcoming projects like an untitled film by Shoojit Sircar and Yakshi, indicates that his lineage hasn’t translated to the mainstream opportunities enjoyed by other star kids, such as Alia Bhatt or Ranbir Kapoor. Industry dynamics, including ongoing nepotism debates and a preference for conventional “hero” archetypes, may limit his casting in big-budget films, particularly given discussions about his non-conventional looks. Social media posts suggest that even talented actors like Babil can lose roles to “one call from a non-talented, good-looking actor’s powerful dad,” emphasizing that lineage alone does not guarantee a breakthrough in the face of entrenched power structures.
Barriers Beyond Lineage: Babil’s outbursts highlight deeper systemic issues within Bollywood that his legacy cannot overcome. He has spoken candidly about the pressure of living up to his father’s reputation, facing trolling for perceived “fake” humility, and struggling with the impact of social media on his mental health. His openness about not being “thick-skinned” and feeling “too much” indicates that he may be ill-equipped for Bollywood’s cutthroat environment, where networking and strategic alliances are often as critical as talent. As noted in a social media post, these systemic issues, including the lack of emotional accountability in the industry, exacerbate his feelings of alienation, making it more challenging for him to leverage his lineage for a significant breakthrough.
Potential for Future Breakthrough: While Babil has not yet achieved a theatrical blockbuster, his talent and growing fanbase keep him relevant in discussions about the industry. His upcoming collaboration with Shoojit Sircar, who is known for supporting unconventional leads, could be a game-changer if it leads to a wide theatrical release. Additionally, support from peers like Siddhant Chaturvedi and Raghav Juyal after his outburst suggests that he has allies who value his contributions, potentially opening new doors for him. Despite the challenges, Babil’s potential for a future breakthrough is undeniable. His emotional vulnerability and reluctance to conform to Bollywood’s “party circuit” or paparazzi culture may continue to impede his mainstream ascent. As one social media user noted, Babil’s “raw honesty” could either catalyze change or become a liability in an industry that often punishes vulnerability.
In conclusion, Babil Khan’s recent outbursts illustrate that achieving a big-ticket theatrical breakthrough in Bollywood is challenging, even with a storied industry lineage. Systemic issues like cliquish politics, commercial priorities, and his unconventional persona and emotional openness hinder his progress despite his proven talent on OTT platforms.