He walks in wearing tracks and an impish grin. He greets you with a casual comfort without coming off as cocky. Unpretentious yet respectful, he gives the perfect Sharmaji-ka-beta vibe—but then his dad, Saif Ali Khan, is no Sharmaji. In fact, he was GenZ when GenZ wasn't even a thing, and Ibrahim Ali Khan has inherited his cheeky charm. 

A spitting image of a young Saif Ali Khan, he even channels his inner rockstar during the shoot reminding me of Saif’s Parikrama gigs as a guitarist. But the resemblance goes beyond just the looks and the mannerisms (especially the cutesy head nods while posing for paps!). It is in the little things—one of them being the way he, at times, starts off a sentence with the utmost clarity but then in the middle of it, re-evaluates his thoughts, and decides that he is undecided! It adds a charming chaotic energy to their otherwise laidback demeanor. They are men not ashamed to show their vulnerability—a refreshingly rare quality in the curated world of showbiz.  

Mention this and Ibrahim, although every bit proud of his dad, impishly points out that it is his mom, Amrita Singh, who has had the maximum impact and influence on him as he was brought up single-handedly by her post the separation of his parents. But with both parents being part of the Hindi film industry, it is a win-win and Ibrahim seems to have taken to it like a duck to water. During this cover shoot, he faces the camera with the casual ease of a veteran but listens to every instruction of the photographer like an obedient child. There is a quiet confidence—he doesn’t fidget with the clothes or fuss over his angles (with a sharp jawline that looks like it can cut glass, one hardly needs to worry about it anyway) and knows exactly what he is doing. But wrapped in humility and earnestness it never crosses into the zone of arrogance; it is not his first rodeo. “I have been doing this for three years now”, he quips, adding that although he is confident in front of the camera, “it is not that I don't get scared, I just don’t show it to the world. It is part of the job,” he says. While he is not the one to put his weaknesses on display, he owns up to them rather candidly.  

“But having said that, I am not very camera conscious. In fact, I think my dad is more conscious about how he is looking in front of the camera, how his hair is and stuff than I am [laughs]. But you will find us both checking with people to see if the shot was ok, if we are doing fine. That is because we both are overthinkers, but I don't think that is the same thing as being camera-conscious,” he adds. 

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This ease and comfort come largely from the fact that he has always been part of this world, and he admits: “I have grown up around this; I have seen my mom and my dad, and then Sara do this. Moreover, I always wanted to be in front of the camera. So, now that it is happening, I can’t possibly get cold feet.” In fact, his first on-screen appearance was as a 6-year-old in the 2008 film Tashan starring Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. It was since then that Ibrahim has harboured the dream of becoming an actor. “I did a small role in Tashan. I must’ve been 6. My line was “bullshit, double bullshit with a cherry on top” — I still remember that! It was fun. From then on, I think I always wanted to be in front of the camera,” reveals the now-24-year-old. 

But was he prepared for the paps and the media blitz, which have now become an integral part of an actor’s life, and something he seems to be acing. His banter with the paps has already made him their darling; it seems he has a penchant for winning hearts. “If they [those who want to become actors] are not prepared for these things, I don’t think they should take up this profession. They should not become an actor or dream of making it big as one. These are not paraphernalia, today these are very much a part of the job,” he says. And what about social media? “I was not on it for the longest, and I don't believe it is an absolute necessity yet. Look at Ranbir Kapoor. He does not have a public profile on social media, but he is one of the biggest stars of Bollywood!” Ibrahim believes that the way to stand out amid the crowd is to be his own authentic self. “I don’t have a filter. I can’t fake it. I want to carve my own path,” he says. 

And he is off to a solid start, having shot for three films already spanning genres from romance to sports drama. Making his debut with Nadaaniyan, a frothy GenZ rom-com, he has quickly graduated to a hard-hitting movie that demanded a nuanced performance. In Sarzameen—a Kayoze Irani directorial produced by Dharma Productions which is streaming on JioHotstar—he the son of an Army officer who is abducted by a terrorist group in an attempt to exact revenge on his father. Years later, he returns. While he has an emotional reunion with his mother, his father is suspicious about his identity and motive. As the movie progresses, the family drama slowly turns into an edgy thriller. As Harman, the son who returns home, Ibrahim showcases his emotional range as an actor. Apart from acting, the role also was physically demanding as he was part of some combat scenes. And his preparation was reflected in his performance. His next is Maddock Films’ Diler, a sports-romantic drama.  

La Familia 

Outfit: Dhruv Kapoor; Eyewear: Balmain, Opium

Not only does he come from a royal lineage but his is a family of legends and stars. Right from his great grandfather AK Pataudi, who was the Indian captain and the only Test cricketer to have played for both England and India, to his legendary grandfather Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi aka Tiger Pataudi, one of India's greatest captains who had taken over the reins of the Indian team at the age of just 21, to his father Saif Ali Khan, who has over the years evolved into one of Bollywood’s most capable and versatile actors, the dashing and dapper Pataudi men have always won hearts and charmed the nation with their talent. In fact, while talking about her grandkids, Ibrahim’s grandmother, Sharmila Tagore had once mentioned that “Ibrahim is the only one who looks like a Pataudi”.   

But it is not just the men in the family. Sharmila Tagore—who is related to the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore from both her father’s and mother’s side and part of one of Bengal’s most prominent aristocratic families who were the key influencers during the Bengali Renaissance—was Oscar-winning filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s favourite actress who later become one of the top stars of Hindi cinema and still considered a pop icon. His mother, Amrita Singh—who is the daughter of Rukhsana Sultana, a socialite and a political associate of Sanjay Gandhi, and is also related to writer Khushwant Singh and actress Begum Para— was among the top-billed actors in the ’80s. It is unlikely that Bollywood has ever had any actor with such a diverse and deep legacy. Ibrahim Ali Khan carries both its privilege as well as its pressure. 

Coming from cricket royalty, Ibrahim initially was interested in the game and even played inter-school tournaments as part of his school team. Although his love for the game remains and he is often spotted in his cricket whites playing informal matches, he realised along the way that it was not his true calling. Also, as a cricketer, it would be almost impossible for him to not get compared to his grandfather Tiger Pataudi—one of the greatest Indian cricketers of all time. “It was not exactly the pressure...but yeah, my grandfather was a legend. Playing with one eye and still being the best...that’s not something you try to live up to unless you’re meant for it. I think his legacy is best left intact,” he says.  

Acting was more up his alley. And having both parents who are super-talented actors, he probably has it in his blood. But comparing today’s Saif with the two-film old Ibrahim might not be fair. Let’s not forget that nobody could have predicted the Saif Ali Khan of Omkara and Sacred Games while watching the Saif Ali Khan of Parampara, Aashik Awara, Imtihaan and the like. His evolution as an actor began only in 2001 with Dil Chahta Hai. Moreover, one has to give it to him for not sticking to candy floss romances and instead taking up a character as complex as Harman Menon—the son of a patriotic army official who gets abducted by terrorists and returns indoctrinated in their jihadist ideology—in his second film. Which brings us to Ibrahim’s choice of roles—a reminder that he isn’t looking for shortcuts. If his lineage sets a high bar, his budding filmography suggests he’s not afraid to meet it head-on and take some real risks early in his career. 

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This is a rather intense character. Most actors would be apprehensive to take up such a role this early on in their career. Right after a rom com, why did you pick this one? Also, what was the preparation like? What were your actor’s notes to yourself when you read the script? 

 What a lot of people don’t know is that we actually shot Sarzameen before Naadaniyaan, so this intense world was my first real experience on a film set. It was emotionally heavy—and I was nervous—but I also felt deeply connected to the story the moment I read the script. 

The character felt broken in ways I hadn’t seen on screen often, and that stayed with me. The prep wasn’t about rehearsing lines as much as it was about understanding what he had gone through—his silences, his body language, his internal world. My actor’s note was simple: surrender to it. Don’t try to impress, just be truthful. 

This is not essentially a Bollywood ‘hero’ role, but a character-driven role. If you have to choose, would you want to become a commercial massy hero or delve more into character-driven realistic cinema? What kind of cinema interests you as an audience and as an actor? 

I love both. Growing up, I’ve watched everything from big action entertainers to quiet indie films—and both have left a mark on me in different ways. 

What excites me as an actor is anything that feels honest. Sarzameen gave me a chance to dig deep, but I also had to do something lighter with Naadaniyaan. So, I don’t want to box myself into one space. Whether it’s a larger-than-life character or someone incredibly grounded, I just want to keep discovering new sides of myself through the roles I take on. 

How has assisting on Rocky Aur Rani… helped you prep for this career?  

Oh, it’s been a massive help. I did 116 shoot days on Rocky Aur Rani and learned so much from Ranveer [Singh] and Alia [Bhatt]. They’re such powerhouse actors—so fine-tuned, yet so easy-going. I learned about set life, camera angles, timing, everything. It helped more than any acting workshop would have. 

What’s the biggest acting advice you’ve received so far? 

Keep it honest. That’s something almost everyone has told me—from my dad to the directors I’ve worked with. You can learn lines, hit marks, but if it doesn’t come from a real place, the audience can tell.  

What do you remember about Tashan? How was it facing the camera for the first time, and then watching yourself on screen for the first time? How was it seeing your dad shoot? 

I was too young to understand what was happening, but I loved being around the camera and the energy of a film set. Watching Dad shoot was super cool. I didn’t understand playback or takes then, but I loved to dress up and perform. 

Do you have any special memories from a particular movie shoot of his? 

Ta Ra Rum Pum…a 100 per cent. Dad got me this custom-made red racing suit with a Chevrolet logo and everything. I used to wear it every day. That was my superhero costume! 

What is your favourite movie of your dad and why? What is that one thing you have learnt from him about being in the business? 

Omkara is my favourite. He was just brilliant in that. What I’ve learned from him is to never take the audience for granted; they’re smarter than we think, and they can see through anything fake. 

You have four great actors in the family—your mom [Amrita Singh], dad [Saif Ali Khan], grandmother [Sharmila Tagore], and Kareena [Kapoor Khan]. Your sister is also an actor. Who is the most lenient and who is the harshest critic? 

Mom and Sara are probably the most honest. Dad tries to be encouraging, but he also gives practical notes. Kareena is super cool—she told me not to worry too much and just keep at it. Dadi is proud, of course, but also reminds me to stay grounded. 

Your favourite movie of each? How do you rate them as pop culture icons? 

Tough one. 

Mom – Chameli Ki Shaadi, she was fire! 

Dad – Omkara, hands down. 

Kareena – Jab We Met, iconic. 

Dadi – Aradhana, what a film. 

I don’t think I can “rate” them. They’ve all done their bit to shape cinema in their way.  

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You look so much like your dad. Does this ever pose a challenge in establishing your own niche as an actor? 

Not really. I mean, I’m not copying any of his films or trying to fill his shoes. He’s owned the rom-com and thriller space — I’ll hopefully find my path and try different genres. If I can even be half as good, I’ll be sorted. 

Your dad is also a rock star. What’s your relationship with music? 

I love music and I like singing, but I’m not very good at it. I play the guitar—not as well as dad, though. We jam together sometimes with the kids. Dad plays, I play, Taimur’s on piano, Jeh’s on drums. Last time we were trying Smoke on the Water [by Deep Purple] and Eye of the Tiger [by Survivor]. It’s a vibe. 

You were training to become a cricketer at one point, what happened to that? 

Yeah, I played in England, and I was decent. But the competition is tough—always someone faster, better. I figured I had a better shot at acting. Cricket is brutal, and only 11 make the cut. 

What do you remember of your grandfather? Did he ever see you play? 

I was very young, but I do remember watching matches with him. He never pressured me. He had this quiet elegance. He was very sharp and very kind. His presence made you want to do better. 

What impact did your paternal grandparents have on you while growing up?  

Dadi has been the most grounding influence. She’s full of grace and wisdom. I’ve learned a lot about humility and poise from her. She always reminds me to stay kind and not get carried away. 

Tell us about growing up in a family run by women. Would you call yourself a feminist? 

Definitely. Living with two strong women—mom and Sara—has made me a softer, more respectful person. I’ve learned a lot just from observing them. And yes, I do consider myself a feminist. Equal rights, equal respect—that’s the bare minimum. 

How are you as a boyfriend? Do you think growing up amid women makes you more empathetic? 

I think I’m very caring, and I believe in giving space. I want relationships to feel easy—smooth waters, no toxicity. Living with Mom and Sara, I’ve heard all kinds of relationship advice, so I’ve picked up a lot. For me, mutual respect, independence, and communication are non-negotiable. 

We often see children from Bollywood families whose parents separated when they were young, grow up with a chip on their shoulder. But yours seems to be unlike those stories... Honestly, I had a very normal childhood. I think that’s because both my parents handled things very gracefully. They never let any bitterness affect us. I never felt like I was growing up with a chip on my shoulder, and I’m grateful for that. 

You have a very easy equation with the paps. How do you strike a balance…where do you draw the line? Do you think it is a necessary evil? 

‘Necessary evil’ is the perfect way to put it. Sometimes you wish they’d leave you alone, but then you also want them to care, right? I’ve adjusted to it, but I don’t think it should be normal for kids. We’re not asking them, and they’re too young to even give consent. Let the kids be kids.

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Text: Ananya Ghosh (@ananyag81)
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