Babil Khan, the son of legendary actor Irrfan Khan, has deleted his Instagram account following the spread of a viral video in which he appeared emotional and critical of Bollywood. The video, posted on Reddit over the weekend, captured Babil in a vulnerable state as he mentioned several industry names, prompting widespread discussion and concern.
The incident has drawn attention to the pressures young actors face in the entertainment industry. Babil’s family has since released a statement clarifying his intentions and assuring fans of his well-being.
What Happened in the Video?
In the early hours of Sunday, Reddit users began sharing a video showing Babil Khan visibly distressed. During the clip, he appeared to speak candidly about the state of the film industry and mentioned names like Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Arjun Kapoor, Adarsh Gourav, Raghav Juyal, and singer Arijit Singh.
While the message seemed unclear at times, many viewers interpreted the video as a criticism of Bollywood’s culture and certain celebrities. Babil used strong language, stating, “Bollywood is so f*****. Bollywood is so screwed,” and added, “Bollywood is the most fakest industry I’ve ever been a part of.”
His tone and expressions led some to believe he was calling out fellow actors for their alleged behavior. Others felt he was highlighting the emotional toll of working in a high-pressure, image-driven field.
Instagram Account Deleted
Shortly after the video went viral, Babil’s Instagram profile was no longer accessible. The sudden disappearance of his account raised concerns among fans and industry watchers. Many speculated whether the deletion was a personal choice, a response to online trolling, or part of a larger mental health struggle.
Babil’s Instagram had previously been a space where he shared updates on his career, personal reflections, and tributes to his late father. He was also known for speaking openly about mental health, gaining respect for his honesty and vulnerability.
Family Releases Official Statement
To address the growing concern, Babil Khan’s family released an official statement.
They explained that the video was taken out of context and said, “Like anyone else, Babil is allowed to have difficult days — and this was one of them. We want to reassure all his well-wishers that he is safe and will be feeling better soon.”
The family also clarified Babil’s intentions behind naming fellow actors. According to the statement, his comments were not meant as an attack but as recognition of those he feels are genuinely trying to improve the industry. The statement read, “His mention of artists like Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal, Adarsh Gourav, Arjun Kapoor, and Arijit Singh came from a place of genuine admiration.”
Reactions from the Public
Public reaction to the video has been mixed. Some praised Babil for expressing his emotions and shedding light on the challenges within Bollywood. Others criticized him for appearing incoherent and accused him of targeting specific individuals.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #StandWithBabil and #BollywoodBullying trended throughout Sunday. Supporters emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and openness in the entertainment industry. Critics, however, questioned whether such public displays might cause harm or be misunderstood.
Mental Health and the Entertainment Industry
Babil’s case is not isolated. Several young actors, including those from star families, have recently spoken out about the emotional pressure of maintaining a public image while navigating work stress, competition, and online scrutiny.
India’s entertainment industry has been grappling with questions about nepotism, toxic work culture, and the mental health of actors, especially since the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020. That incident sparked a nationwide conversation about the darker side of fame.
Mental health experts have encouraged celebrities to speak up, as it helps break stigma and encourages others to seek help.
Babil Khan’s Career and Legacy
Babil Khan made his acting debut in the film Qala (2022), which received critical acclaim. He later appeared in the digital film Logout and was praised for his raw, emotive performances. Despite being a newcomer, Babil has drawn attention not only for his work but also for his reflective posts and poetic tributes to his late father, Irrfan Khan.
His vulnerability has sometimes been met with online trolling, which may have added to the emotional strain leading to the recent incident.
What’s Next?
As of now, there is no confirmation on whether Babil will return to social media or speak out further on the issue. His family has urged the public and media to allow him the space to recover and reflect.
The incident has reignited conversations around bullying, mental health, and support systems in the film industry. It also shows the power — and potential harm — of social media in shaping public narratives.
