Paparazzi and iPads leave no space for childhood, says Ibrahim Ali Khan | The Express Tribune

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Ibrahim Ali Khan compared his own upbringing to that of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s sons, describing his childhood as “normal” and free from screens or media attention.

Ibrahim Ali Khan has expressed concern over the intense media spotlight on his younger half-brothers, Taimur and Jehangir (Jeh), noting how today’s celebrity children are growing up with constant exposure and little privacy.

“So, I see Jehangir and Taimur. And a part of me does feel bad for them. Taimur, who’s just turning eight years old, is trying to leave the house and he’s getting clicked by the media.

And Jeh, who’s just four-five years old, he’s also getting clicked.And when they’re at home, they’re playing on their iPhones and iPads at the age of eight and four. These things weren’t there when we were growing up, he said.

The Nadaaniyan actor added, I think I belong to the last generation who had a normal childhood. We got saved because in my childhood, we didn’t have smartphones, smart TV, OTT, iPhones or iPads.

The paparazzi doesn’t even let these kids breathe. It was only after I turned 18, thatI faced the paparazzi. I am so grateful that I got to have a normal childhood. A normal childhood, in my opinion, is not having these screens, not knowing what the world is thinking, what the world has to say.

He emphasised that children should feel safe and insulated during their early years, not exposed to the vastness of public life so soon. “Children are meant to feel like the world is small,” he said, “but because of this culture, they already know how big it is.”

Ibrahim concluded by expressing gratitude that he remained out of the spotlight until he was 18, unlike many children from celebrity families today.

Ibrahim, who made his acting debut in the Netflix rom-com Nadaaniyan alongside Khushi Kapoor last month expressed admiration for Johar, calling him a mentor and guide in the film industry. “I love him and I respect him so much. He gave me a platform when no one else did,” he said.

Reflecting on his launch, he admitted wanting a grand, massy theatrical debut—“the kind people whistle for in cinemas.” But he acknowledged that times have changed. “Maybe theatres aren’t what they used to be. In 2025, the director and the script are the kings.”

The actor also spoke about the shifting definition of a star. “We won’t get stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan or Aamir Khan again,” he said. “Back in the ’80s and ’90s, people would go mad just seeing them on screen. That doesn’t happen anymore.”

He was clear that he does not consider himself a star. “Unfortunately, I can’t say that I’m a star. I’m nobody. My work needs to speak for me.

In his first-ever interview, Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of actor Saif Ali Khan and actress Amrita Singh, opened up about the challenges and privileges that come with being part of a prominent film family.

He said that of course, because of who we are and the background we come from, we do get the platform. But you have to, to some extent, be good. You need to have something in you to sustain that platform.”