E-Paper
Editor’s Note: Son rise
Our cover story today is as much about Irrfan as it is about his son, Babil Khan, who will make his acting debut in just a few days
Always looking for ways to ensure our cover stories have a unique edge, we brainstormed one afternoon in 2016 about how to make a feature with Irrfan Khan stand out.
The much-admired actor, who the world lost to cancer at age 53 two years ago, was one of the first Bollywood stars to make a low-key, but impactful presence felt in Hollywood with consistent roles across a spectrum of movies.
“Irrfan has just completed 10 movies in Hollywood,” our resident Bollywood writer, Ananya Ghosh, told me over a call from Mumbai. “It has also been 10 years since his first international project.”
“Why don’t we organise a movie date with Irrfan and watch all his international films together?” I suggested.“Ask him about anecdotes, little incidents that happened on set, and record his reactions on seeing his own work, after a period of time.”
That brief resulted in our cover story titled Irrfantastic!, which is available at https://www.read.ht/NyN2, and you will agree, it is a timeless read.
Our cover story today is as much about Irrfan as it is about his son, Babil. The 24-year-old is set to make his debut in Anvita Dutt’s Qala on Netflix in just a few days from now.
I’d advise you to approach the story in two steps: First, head to Page 10 and read Celebrating Irrfan, a choice picking of the actor’s movies seen from the eyes of his own son.
As the bittersweet memories of those characters linger in your head, take note of our young cover star. There are resemblances, but you will also notice a strong sense of individuality. “Dad brought us up to be fearless in being different,” Babil says.
Sounds deep? Wait till you hear the other things this wise young man has to say. “My father was an absentee parent, but our strong bond cannot be defined by the fact that he didn’t turn up at PTA meetings,” Babil maintains.
And, as you’ve seen on the cover, Babil acknowledges “inheriting recognition”, but hopes to be his own man and “make Dad’s fans proud!”
If this boy can act half as well as he speaks, we’ve got a new superstar on our hands!
Also in this issue: Our Sunday debate gives a voice to viewers who are ruffled by Netflix not allowing them to share passwords any longer. Vir Sanghvi lists his Top 10 young chefs in India. And Secret Traveller takes you to Riyadh and asks the question: “Is Saudi Arabia really opening up?”
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From HT Brunch, November 26, 2022
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