Actor Saif Ali Khan recently spoke candidly about nepotism in Bollywood and the challenges his son Ibrahim Ali Khan has faced at the start of his acting career. While acknowledging the privilege that comes with belonging to a film family, Saif said he believes there is a limit to how much support he should offer his children as they try to build their own identities.
In a conversation with his sister Soha Ali Khan on her YouTube channel, Saif reflected on the advantages that star kids receive compared to outsiders trying to break into the industry.
“There is a big difference between people who are lucky and people who are unknown and unlucky and really have not many chances and opportunities to get noticed which is why it’s amazing when someone becomes a guitar player or a music director or an actor and comes up from grassroots without this kind of protection of a godfather or a famous parent.”
Saif, the son of veteran actor Sharmila Tagore and legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, acknowledged that family connections often make entry into the industry easier.
“The ability that we have of getting in the door because of who our parents are is incredibly unfair and is incredibly privileged for us. That’s my view on nepotism.”
The actor also said audiences tend to react strongly when those who receive multiple opportunities fail to deliver strong performances.
“Once you are great at what you do, the audience feels vindicated but the problem is when you get repeated opportunities and you are pretty c**p at what you do and people are like, ‘C’mon what is happening? Somebody is not getting a chance here and this person is getting chance after chance’. That, I think, is very unfair.”
Talking about his children, including actor Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim, Saif said he will always support them but believes they must ultimately prove themselves on their own. Ibrahim made his acting debut in 2025 with the film Nadaaniyan, which received criticism from audiences and reviewers.
“I, of course, will support all my children but there’s also a limit to how… I tell Ibrahim also… I mean I don’t know if I should stand next to you and hold your hand at this time because you have already got so much because of who you are. So you need to do this on your own.”
After Nadaaniyan and Sarzameen, Ibrahim will next be seen in the upcoming film Diler, which is expected to release in theatres.
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