Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

I will improvise with what life throws at me: Irrfan Khan's Son Babil

At the trailer launch event of his debut film “Qala”, the newcomer said he wants to try his hand at all kinds of movies and characters.

I will improvise with what life throws at me: Irrfan Khan's Son Babil

Late actor Irrfan Khan’s son Babil on Tuesday said though the thought of starting his film career and living up to the name of his father would scare him initially, he has learnt to put his fear to good use.

At the trailer launch event of his debut film "Qala", the newcomer said he wants to try his hand at all kinds of movies and characters.


"We have this illusion, we think we are in control of our journey (but) we are not. I will improvise with what life throws at me. I want to explore everything, I want to do all kinds of films and play all kinds of characters," Babil told reporters here.

The actor admitted that there is a certain pressure on him but he has focussed all his energies on giving his best.

"There is a lot of pressure. Two years ago, when we were shooting, at that time also the pressure was there. It would affect me, it would scare me but now it motivates me to do better work. The definition of pressure has changed now," Babil added.

Babil's father Irrfan Khan was one of India’s finest and most versatile actors. The actor passed away at the age of 54 in 2020, two years after he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

On being asked what are the qualities of Irrfan Khan that he would like to have as he starts his innings in the Hindi film industry, he said, "Mere father ki jo khubiya thi woh leke chale gaye. Ab mein apni khubiya explore karunga (The qualities that my father possessed went away with him. Now I will explore my qualities.) Starring Tripti Dimri in the title role, “Qala” is touted as a heart-breaking story of “a daughter who craves her mother’s love”. The Netflix movie is directed by Anvita Dutt.

Dutt, best known for the critically-acclaimed feature “Bulbbul”, said she was keen to narrate a story about a mother and daughter through "Qala".

As a filmmaker and writer, she said she is drawn towards fantasy tales.

"As a commissioned writer, I do my best to serve their vision. These (referring to 'Bulbbul' and 'Qala') are the stories that speak to me. I read a lot of fantasy and science fiction. That's my genre of choice.

"These kinds of stories come to my mind. I like to tell these stories because they are stories about universal truths and feelings, emotions that everyone can identify with." Before making her directorial debut with "Bulbbul", Dutt served as a dialogue writer, screenplay writer, story writer, lyricist of Hindi films such as "Dostana", "Ra.One", "Student of the Year" and "Queen", among others.

The director, who wrote the first draft of "Qala" in 2013, shared how she discussed the film's idea with music composer Amit Trivedi, who promised to be part of the project whenever she would start working on it.

"It was with me for a long time and I wanted to put it down. I just thought about it. I didn't do it alone, there were 150 people from the music department to producers, OTT, set dressing boy, so many people," Dutt said.

"Qala" marks the second collaboration between the filmmaker and Dimri, who was universally praised for her performance in "Bulbbul".

"Gut feeling is a real thing and if you read and feel you do not agree to the script, then you should not do it because it can go wrong. These films ('Bulbbul' and 'Qala') have chosen me, I have not chosen them, she said.

Produced by Karnesh Sharma of Cleanslate Filmz, "Qala" will start streaming on Netflix on December 1.

(PTI)

More For You

Madhuri Dixit and  Dr Nene

His parents were not supportive of his shift towards tech entrepreneurship

Getty

Madhuri Dixit's in-laws ‘were not happy’ when Dr Nene left 'Ideal' heart surgeon job and moved to India

Madhuri Dixit, the celebrated Bollywood actress, married Dr Shriram Nene in 1999. After their marriage, she moved to the United States to join him in Denver, where Dr Nene was working as a heart surgeon. During this period, Madhuri gradually distanced herself from her acting career.

However, in 2007, she made her comeback with Aaja Nachle and began appearing as a judge on several reality television shows. With her career picking up again, Madhuri and Dr Nene decided to relocate back to India. In a significant move, Dr Nene also gave up his well-established career as a heart surgeon to pursue work as a medical-tech entrepreneur.

Keep ReadingShow less
Revival hits: 5 classic shows making a comeback in 2025

2025’s biggest TV revivals – Daredevil: Born Again, Frasier, Doctor Who, Little House on the Prairie, and King of the Hill – as beloved shows return with fresh twists

Revival hits: 5 classic shows making a comeback in 2025

Hold onto your remotes, folks, because 2025 is about to hit you with a tidal wave of nostalgia! The TV gods are digging deep into the vaults, dusting off our all-time favourites and giving them a shiny new glow-up. Whether you’re a ’90s kid, a ’00s binge-watcher, or just someone who loves a good comeback story, these five legendary shows are strapping on their boots for a second act.

Let’s dive into the big ones that’ll have everyone hitting play the second they drop.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK Asian Film Festival 2025 Explores Themes of Longing & Belonging

The UK Asian Film Festival 2025 explores themes of love, identity, and belonging through South Asian cinema

gatty image

UK Asian Film Festival celebrates stories of longing and belonging in 27th edition

From May 1st to 11th, the UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) returns for its 27th edition, bringing an interesting line-up of films and events to London, Leicester, and Coventry. This year’s theme, “Longing and Belonging,” explores the universal human search for connection, identity, and purpose through South Asian cinema.

As the longest-running South Asian film festival in the world, UKAFF has always championed female voices and challenged patriarchal norms. This year’s selection continues that mission, presenting stories of displacement, love, tradition, and resilience.

Keep ReadingShow less
Thudarum Review Round-Up: Mohanlal Delivers a Comeback Masterclass

A scene from Thudarum showcasing Mohanlal and Shobana’s mature on-screen chemistry in this slow-burn family thriller

Instagram/thudarummovie

'Thudarum' review round-up: Mohanlal returns to form in a dark, emotional ride that’s winning hearts

Director Tharun Moorthy’s Thudarum has drawn attention not just for its gripping storyline, but for bringing back the Mohanlal audiences have longed to see: an actor rooted in emotion rather than spectacle. With critics praising both the writing and performances, Thudarum has emerged as a memorable addition to Mohanlal’s long filmography, with reviewers calling it a return to form.

Across the board, reviewers highlight how the film presents Mohanlal as Shanmugham (nicknamed Benz), a humble taxi driver and former stuntman who now lives a quiet life in a Kerala village with his wife, played by Shobana, and two children. His prized possession is his old black Ambassador car, a gift from a mentor which becomes central to the plot when it’s unknowingly used, setting off a chain of devastating events.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sreeleela

Sreeleela’s rise from South cinema to Bollywood stardom has captivated audiences across India

Instagram/sreeleela14

Can Sreeleela fill the big Bollywood void?

It is no secret that Bollywood is facing a talent drought. While established stars continue to dominate screens, there is a clear gap when it comes to younger actors making a strong mark.

In the past, each generation delivered a crop of newcomers who injected fresh energy into the industry. That pattern has stalled in recent years, with fewer young actors making a lasting impression. Into this space steps Sreeleela, a fast-rising actor from the South who has begun to attract serious attention in Hindi cinema.

Keep ReadingShow less