Shah Rukh Khan says, like son Aryan, he too was never interested in acting: ‘I was more drawn to…’

The day has finally arrived. Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, has made his much-anticipated debut, not in front of the camera but behind it. His directorial project The Ba***ds of Bollywood has dropped on Netflix, marking a new chapter in the Khan legacy. Unlike his superstar father, Aryan has chosen to forge his own path, not as an actor, but as a filmmaker. While reviews for the series are yet to roll in, Shah Rukh had, in an old interview with Punjab Kesari TV during the promotions of Jab Harry Met Sejal, spoken candidly about Aryan’s aspirations.

“He’s actually not interested in acting. He has a passion for filmmaking. And right now, he’s studying a film production course at USC in Los Angeles. I didn’t ask him to become a filmmaker, on fact, it’s quite strange, because I myself wasn’t interested in acting initially either. I was more drawn to making films, which is why I studied Mass Communication at Jamia. So Aryan has the same kind of passion. He still has four years left in college, and he’s already making short films there. He’s figuring out on his own what he truly enjoys and where his calling lies. He doesn’t even ask me for help; he’s learning everything by himself. Of course, he shows me his work out of love and respect. But beyond that, I want all my kids to discover what they want to do on their own. It might sound odd, but I’ve never asked him whether he wants to be an actor. Maybe his mother or grandmother has, but I haven’t really had that conversation with him.”

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Last month, at the preview launch of The Ba**ds of Bollywood in Mumbai, Shah Rukh Khan introduced Aryan to the world as a filmmaker for the first time. The actor, known for his eloquence, was visibly emotional during the momentous occasion. “I’m deeply grateful to the sacred land of Mumbai, to this country, which has given me 30 years to try and entertain you. Today is a very special day, because on this very same land, my son is now taking his first step. He’s a very good boy, as all fathers believe about their sons, and he’s hardworking. At home, we’ve only taught him a few things: box office success isn’t guaranteed, nor are positive reviews from critics. But giving your 100% through hard work — that’s the one guarantee you can control. So today, when he stands before you, please clap for him. But along with those claps, send him a small prayer too. And like I’ve said before, the love you’ve given me over the years — even if he receives just 10, 20, 30, 40, 50% of that — if it were anyone else, I would have stopped right there. But if he’s lucky enough to get 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, even 150% of that love, please give it to him.”

The series stars Lakshya, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambba, Manoj Pahwa, Gautami Kapoor, Mona Singh, and Rajat Bedi in pivotal roles. The Ba**ds of Bollywood is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and is created and directed by Aryan Khan. He shares writing credits with co-creators Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan.