On the solemn occasion of Irrfan Khan’s birth anniversary, fans and family alike find solace in the memories of the beloved actor whose performances captivated audiences worldwide. Among those reminiscing is Babil Khan, son of the late cinematic maestro and his wife, Sutapa Sikdar. Their family dynamic, infused with sobriety of critique and depth of understanding for the craft, is shed light upon as Babil reveals the rigorous standards his mother held – not least of all for revered actor Irrfan himself.
As Babil’s burgeoning career takes flight, with his latest success in Yash Raj Films’ maiden miniseries “The Railway Men”, the young talent steps forward to share insights into the internal workings of his artistic family. Portraying a former Union Carbide India Limited worker turned railway employee, Babil’s performances are gaining him appreciative nods, much like the acclaim once showered upon Irrfan. It is in this shared spotlight that Babil revisits his experiences in the creative world under the attentive gaze of his mother, Sutapa.
During the promotions of “The Railway Men,” which debuted on November 18, Babil’s interview with Humans of Bombay brought forth a notable instance of Sutapa’s dedicated criticism towards her husband’s work. He recounts with a tinge of humor, “My mom is very critical. Like, when she saw papa’s ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, she had 17 pages of criticism.” Babil claims the intensity of her reviews to be so poignant that he can hardly bear to be in the same room while she watches his films.
Progressing in his own acting journey, Babil faced a similar appraisal from Sutapa upon her viewing of his debut, “Qala”, a Netflix production. He initially shared his trepidation regarding Sutapa’s approach to his performance. However, her eventual succinct response, “You did good for the first time,” provided him with a sense of quiet encouragement. This reassurance was amplified into a motivational force, subsequently carrying Babil forward.
Irrfan and Sutapa’s relationship, through Babil’s perception, is a paradigm of partnership that maintains professional rigor alongside a profound respect and friendship. He articulates his vision of love as an “innate equality” observed between his parents, where physical demonstrations of affection took a backseat to a more subtle, but enduring, mutual reverence and companionship. Babil describes witnessing Sutapa, his mother and his “queen”, undertaking her dual role as a mother and a constructive critic with grace.
The nervous anticipation for maternal feedback once again consumed Babil at the red carpet of IIFA 2023, as he awaited Sutapa’s assessment of his craft. His narration to India Today of the pressure to meet her high expectations illuminates the weight of her opinion on his acting pursuits. Yet, despite the anxiety, Sutapa’s acknowledgment of a “good job” without formal acting training sufficed as a benchmark of success and a cornerstone for Babil’s aspiration to excel further.
The nascent actor, currently only three projects deep into his career, seems to be tracing the path illumined by his father’s legacy. After “Qala” and the second outing in “Friday Night Plan”, Babil returns to Netflix, basking in acclaim for “The Railway Men”. The miniseries, marking a bold foray by Yash Raj Films into such formats, reflects the changing landscape of Indian cinema – one that the Khans, both father and son, have and are contributing to in remarkable ways.
On the birth anniversary of Irrfan Khan, it is Babil’s transparent remembrance, underpinned by an intricate fabric of critical reflection, reverence, and love, which offers a glimpse into the family’s connection to cinema. In Sutapa Sikdar’s pragmatic reviews and Babil’s aspirations, the dramatic arts persist as both a familial tie and a herald of their enduring respect for the craft. The journey of both men, bound by blood and passion, persists in the public eye – a testament to their dedication and the unwavering spirit of creativity they embody.
