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Is Babil Khan’s emotional outburst a reflection of Bollywood’s toxic culture or a misunderstood moment of vulnerability?

Babil Khan, son of the late Irrfan Khan, recently sent shockwaves across social media with emotional Instagram videos calling Bollywood “toxic” and “fake,” naming peers like Ananya Panday, Arjun Kapoor, and Arijit Singh. His posts—later deleted—sparked concerns over his mental health, especially after he deactivated his account. Although his team clarified the videos were misinterpreted praise for fellow artists, the incident reignited debates around the pressures young actors face. Babil, known for his raw vulnerability and openness about his battle with depression, has always walked a tightrope—between admiration for his father’s legacy and carving his own identity.

While many, including Ananya and Siddhant Chaturvedi, expressed support, filmmaker Sai Rajesh’s initial disappointment (later retracted) highlighted how misunderstood emotions can spiral. Is Bollywood supportive enough of emotional transparency, or does it expect stoicism? As Babil returns with gratitude and hope, the question remains: is this a personal moment blown out of proportion—or a symptom of deeper issues in the film industry?

Manish Sharma
Author