For star kids, success in Bollywood often comes with extra baggage, expectations, comparisons, and constant scrutiny. Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, knows this too well.
Despite his star lineage, his journey has been anything but easy.
Having recently made his Bollywood debut, Ibrahim faced mixed reviews and inevitable comparisons to his father. Yet, the young actor seems unfazed, choosing instead to view these parallels as motivation rather than pressure.
In a candid chat with Esquire India, Ibrahim admitted that the constant references to his resemblance to Saif have shaped how he perceives himself. “For years, I’ve been told I look just like my father. ‘Oh my god, you’re just like him, you’re just like him, you’re just like him. Oh my god, you’re just like Saif.’ When you’re constantly fed something like that, that becomes a standard for you. You want to be more and more like him,” Ibrahim said.
Here’s what Ibrahim said:
Speaking about Saif Ali Khan’s journey, Ibrahim revealed how much he respects his father’s persistence and growth as an actor. “I think my dad is an amazing actor. What I really like about him is that there were a lot of people who doubted him in the beginning. He took quite a few films to find his feet and become the versatile performer he is now,” Ibrahim shared.
These words reflect Ibrahim’s understanding of how long it takes to build a name in an industry that can both celebrate and crush potential overnight.
His early work and the road ahead
Ibrahim made his debut with Nadaaniyan earlier this year, opposite Khushi Kapoor. Directed by Shauna Gautam, the Netflix release also featured Mahima Chaudhry, Suniel Shetty, Dia Mirza, and Jugal Hansraj. However, despite the star-studded cast, the film failed to impress critics or audiences.
Just months later, Ibrahim returned with Sarzameen, a Kayoze Irani directorial co-starring Kajol and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Unfortunately, that too couldn’t strike a chord with viewers.
Undeterred, Ibrahim is already prepping for his next, Diler, a sports drama directed by Kunal Deshmukh, where he will be seen alongside South sensation Sreeleela. Reportedly, the film will trace the journey of a marathon runner and is expected to be released in 2026.
What lies ahead for Ibrahim Ali Khan?
Ibrahim’s early career may not have been smooth, but his grounded attitude and willingness to learn suggest that he’s in it for the long haul. For him, the comparisons with Saif aren’t a curse; they’re a reminder of what greatness looks like and how hard one must work to earn it.
With the right mix of humility, patience, and persistence, Ibrahim seems ready to script his own story, one role at a time.
Highlights:
- Ibrahim Ali Khan says constant comparisons to Saif Ali Khan push him to improve.
- His debut films, Nadaaniyan and Sarzameen, received poor reviews.
- He will next be seen in Kunal Deshmukh’s Diler, a sports drama slated for 2026.