Ibrahim Ali Khan wants to create his own legacy in the Indian film industry

Actor opens up about his career ambitions, fashion, acting process and misconceptions surrounding his public image

Ibrahim Ali Khan is keen to write his own story in the world of entertainment, saying he does not want to borrow from his parents’ careers but instead hopes to build his own path as an actor. Speaking to Elle Magazine, Khan discussed his personal style, family legacy, first theatrical release and his journey towards establishing himself in the industry.

“Honestly, I don't want anything from either of their iconic careers. I want to build my own path as an actor,” Khan said when speaking to Elle about his goals. He joked, “Maybe my father's National Award, and my mother's debut, instead of mine.”

According to Elle, the 25-year-old actor spent much of his childhood around film sets, accompanying his father, Saif Ali Khan, behind the scenes of his New York-set film Ta Ra Rum Pum, released in 2007. Years later, Khan said he would still jump at the opportunity to take on similar roles.

His first on-screen appearance came in 2008, when he played the younger version of his father’s character in Tashan. He later made his feature-film debut in the 2025 Netflix romantic comedy Nadaaniyan, opposite Khushi Kapoor. His patriotic drama Sarzameen was also released that year.

Before stepping in front of the camera, Khan began familiarising himself with the entertainment industry by working as filmmaker Karan Johar’s assistant director on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, according to Elle.

“Starting on time and finishing on time basically never happens in this industry, no matter what,” Khan said of his experience. He also described what makes a good day on set for him. “A good, long, satisfying day where you feel genuinely good about what you've done in front of the camera.”

 

 

 

 

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Despite his interest in acting, Khan said he does not follow any particular ritual or set of techniques when preparing for a role. Speaking about being a method actor, he admitted that his approach was somewhat unconventional.

“As much as I'd love to be more of a method actor,” he laughed, “my ADHD brain chooses music over anything else. Reaching for my Starbucks constantly, and being caffeinated and wired the entire shoot. I need to calm down a little,” he said.

Khan also opened up about his love for fashion, explaining that while his father’s influence was naturally part of his upbringing, he did not want to imitate Saif’s style. He first clarified that copying his father’s fame and style would be “stupid”, adding that the genetics show up regardless.

“A nice pair of jeans with a bandana, kurtas and jackets worn a certain way as Abba does. I don't see Dad roaming around in baggy jeans and sneakers with an oversized, loose T-shirt, you know what I mean? Dad's too classy for that,” Khan said, emphasising that his own style reflected a more Gen Z, free-spirited approach.

Away from acting and fashion, Khan revealed his passion for PlayStation, admitting that he spends a considerable amount of time playing Call of Duty, FIFA and Trackmania. “The competition is up there, and we're all constantly sweating it out to prove who's the best. Me, obviously,” he joked.

Towards the end of the conversation, Khan addressed what he described as misconceptions about him in the media, saying that many of them were simply untrue.

“That I'm rude. I just have a playful tone, and I think the way I speak can come across differently from how I mean it. I'm really not as serious as people think. Very ‘just a 25-year-old guy’ going through life,” he said.

Khan’s dream role remains a character in the spirit of Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man or his own father’s role in Race.