Ibrahim Ali Khan on nepotism and stardom: Nepotism is there, we won’t get stars like Ranbir, Shah Rukh, Salman, Saif, Aamir again, that era of actors is gone

Ibrahim Ali Khan on nepotism and stardom

In an industry where the line between privilege and pressure is often blurred, Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Bollywood royalty Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, spoke with refreshing honesty about what it truly means to be a star kid in today’s hyper-connected world in an interview with Filmfare. While the glitz and glamour of being born into a film family remain, the challenges have evolved—more scrutiny, higher expectations, and a constant presence under the public lens.

“Of course. Because there was no social media then. Things were easier then,” says Ibrahim, candidly admitting the pressures of modern-day fame. “If you ask all these star kids, as you call them, they will probably think before they give an answer. I don’t have to think before I say, yes, we do have it harder.”
Nepotism, a term that’s become both buzzword and battleground in the industry, is something Ibrahim doesn’t deny. But he’s also quick to put it into perspective. “Nepotism has been there. It’s been there through the ages. But nowadays, it’s more of a thing. I’m Saif Ali Khan’s son. But this has been happening for years. Maybe it’s just social media. I don’t know. We have it harder for sure,” he explains. “Today it is tougher to trick the audience. They have become smart now. They’re not going to pay and go to theatres and see a bad movie, especially when they can watch the movie at home.”

He laments the loss of mystique that once surrounded film stars. “Earlier there was no social media. You wouldn’t see stars in public. There was limited exposure to Hollywood. The audience would go to the theatres and they would die to see all these stars,” he says. Drawing inspiration from actors who choose to remain low-key, Ibrahim adds, “I want to be like that. I enjoy being out there as well. But I want to be like Ranbir Kapoor. He’s not on social media. He’s kind of low-key. Saif Ali Khan, my beloved father... he’s also like that. He’s by himself at home. He’s a super cool guy doing his work, not on social media. These guys aren’t out there, no one can get to them. And that’s what makes them so desirable. We want to reach them, but we can’t. Now, I can’t even leave the gym in peace. I’m getting clicked leaving the gym. You get photographed everywhere. They all know us exactly for who we are, how we are. And that is one more reason as to why we have it harder than earlier stars.”

Despite the access his last name provides, Ibrahim acknowledges the responsibility that comes with it. “Yes, sometimes I feel that,” he says when asked if the attention he’s getting is partly because of his lineage. “My whole life, I thought, how will I answer this question in my first interview. And I’ve come in with no preparation. Of course, because of who we are and the background we’re from, we will get the platform. But having said that, you have to, to some extent, be good. To some extent, you must have something in you to get that platform.”

As he reflects on his family—Sara Ali Khan as his sister, Sharmila Tagore as his grandmother, and the legacy he’s inherited—he’s aware of both the blessings and the baggage. “Sometimes, I feel like my take is not relevant...Because we come from all of this, we’ll get the platform easily. But from there, you have to take it forward,” he says. “I get this debate. I get it. But hey, it’s not my fault that I’m Saif’s son. I’m looking to just work hard and be the best version of me that I can be. Just because I’m this kid, I’m not gonna run away somewhere. I’m not gonna hide. I am this kid and I am here and I want to do well. But as I said, I get it. We have the platform. So what we can do is be grateful to have that platform and stay true to who we are and work harder and be better.”

His experience working with one of Bollywood’s most influential filmmakers is another turning point in his journey. “I worked with KJo sir (Karan Johar) on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. I love him and I respect him so much. He has given me such a good platform. He believed in me when no one else did. He’s kind of been my guide in this industry. And a great guide as well,” says Ibrahim, with genuine gratitude. “Yes, I did want a commercial, grand, theatre mein seeti marne wala launch. But nowadays, maybe theatres are not the way they used to be. In 2025, the director and the script are the kings.”

He acknowledges the changing tides of stardom. “I genuinely believe that we won’t get stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Aamir Khan again. That era of actors is gone. It just doesn’t work how it used to work in the ’80s and in the ’90s, when these guys would just stand in front of the camera and the movies would be a hit. People would go crazy over these stars. Nowadays, it’s hard to do that. No one can be a star like that. Unfortunately, I can’t say that I’m a star. I’m nobody. My work needs to speak for me. I like the concept of being an actor and doing good work, which in 2025 is key. Bad script, a bad movie worked if it had a popular star. It doesn’t work like that anymore.”