It seems like Ibrahim Ali Khan keeps on giving reasons to the internet to frown. Having made his debut with Karan Johar backed film Nadaniyaan, co-starring Khushi Kapoor, the film became a trending topic of discussion on how a film should not be made in this day and age. Just as people were recovering from Ibrahim and Khushi’s chemistry-less and expressionless performance, he got embroiled in a controversy where he sent a strongly worded abusive message to a Pakistani critic for criticizing the film. Now, in a recent interview with Filmfare, he opened up about it all.
More than a month after his much-awaited Bollywood debut, Ibrahim opened up about his performance in the film and even shared his take on the controversy, sharing that he was remorseful of his reaction to criticism as he is “new to public scrutiny.” Well, he also went on to share his thoughts on fame and stardom, which didn’t go down well with the netizens. They even dug-up an old interview of his sister Sara Ali Khan and Kartik Aarya, advising him to take notes from them.
SEE ALSO: Ibrahim Ali Khan Finally Opens Up About Debut Movie Nadaaniyan: ‘Bad Script, Bad Movie…’
During his interview with the entertainment magazine, the 24-year-old actor recalled the olden times when social media wasn’t so prevalent and people used to go to theatres to watch their favourite “stars,” due to “limited exposure.” He added, “I want to be like that.” The statement left the netizens feeling irked as they trolled him for wanting to become a “star” rather than becoming a good “actor” who people can look up to.
A netizen took to the subreddit BollyBlindsNGossip to share an old interview clip of Kartik and Sara where they discuss stardom and how it should be like a “background music.” Quoted by Hindustan Times, talking about his passion for acting, the 34-year-old actor says, “Gali gali mein chhote chhote bachhe tak mera naam jaane ‘Kartik Aaryan’, woh main chahta hun. Main usse shy away nahi karta ki main woh nahi chahta.”
Seeing Ibrahim’s statement reminded me of a similar thing said by kartik
byu/ikeverything2 inBollyBlindsNGossip
However he doesn’t want it to be the main thing, as it could be “career ending” for many. His Love Aaj Kal (2020) co-star, Sara goes on to explain, “Stardom is like the background music to your film, you know. It’s very important but it shouldn’t become a music video.”
Netizens expressed how they want Ibrahim to take notes from the two actors on how to be more “humble” and “articulate.” One netizen wrote, “See this is why people prefer kartik. Nepo or not kartik knows his way around Bollywood. It was his earlier days and see how sensibly he answers the question. While iAK after giving flop of the year ( century) is thinking of moon. Idiottt.” Another said, “That’s a more humble way to put it, without sounding like an entitled douchebag. Ibrahim can learn a thing or two.”
Talking about the plot, the film is set in a college and centers around the life of Arjun (played by Ibrahim) and Pia (played by Khushi), who have completely different paths. While she wants a perfect partner, he wants to be a perfect student. They make a deal to fake date in front of their peers, in exchange for money. However, things start getting out of hand, when their loved ones get involved and they start developing feelings for each other.
Directed by Shauna Gautam, Nadaaniyan stars debutant Ibrahim Ali Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Jugal Hansraj, Dia Mirza, Suniel Shetty, and Mahima Chaudhry among many others. The film is currently streaming on Netflix, having premiered on March 7, 2025.
On the work front, Ibrahim Ali Khan will reportedly be next seen in yet another Karan Johar back film, Sarzameen which co-stars Kajol.
