Rising actor Babil Khan, who’s famous for taking cinema and life seriously, spoke recently about one of his life-changing experiences — a chance encounter with Hollywood star Tom Hanks and the remarkable influence it’s had on him as a rising artist. While brief, the encounter left a lasting impression on Babil that continues to make him reflect and grow as a performer and human being.
At a dinner a few years ago, Babil noted the easy affability and silent intelligence Hanks possessed, noting that he was a man who “lights up a room without even entering it.” Rather than attempting to impress or indulge in stilted conversation, Babil opted instead to merely listen and soak it all in. He knew at the time that greatness is not hurried—it’s the culmination of decades of living, learning, and growing. “You can’t rush experience. You can’t rush greatness,” Babil pondered.
Babil is now working on his next project, a movie called Logout, where he plays the character of a full-time social media influencer. This was a major deviation from his actual lifestyle since he had deliberately stayed away from overusing digital media. But getting into the persona of someone who’s always online helped him gain a different perspective about that world. “I wanted to experience what it was like to be logged in all the time,” he said.
After going through the experience of being deeply immersed in influencer culture for the part, Babil acknowledged that the process changed his thoughts. “I never judged any other influencer again,” he admitted candidly, understanding the pressures and the nuances of performing in front of an audience constantly.
As he grows further in the world of cinema, Babil Khan bears the mantle of his deceased father, Irrfan Khan, with dignity, and makes conscious decisions to forge his own path. With performances that test him and moments that humble him, Babil’s journey is one of humility, introspection, and a profound respect for the art.
