Ibrahim Ali Khan’s entry into Bollywood with Nadaaniyan may have marked an important milestone in his career, but it came with its share of harsh criticism. The young actor, stepping into the limelight with high expectations, was met with brutal trolling online. Now, his aunt and seasoned actress Soha Ali Khan has addressed the negativity he faced, shedding light on the realities of navigating the world of cinema.
While speaking in an interview, Soha shared her thoughts on the scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. “Number one, I think you need to have thick skin when you join this world,” she said, acknowledging the mental strength it takes to survive in the industry. She also pointed out the importance of finding balance when it comes to receiving criticism. “Digest people’s opinion or then don’t read the comments. But, I feel, like sometimes, it’s important to read the comments because you can’t just work in a vacuum. You have to be receptive to certain criticism and you have to work on your craft and go forward.”
Soha didn’t shy away from acknowledging the intensity of the negativity that surrounded Ibrahim’s debut. Referring to the targeted trolling he endured, she noted, “actors become easy targets because we put ourselves out there.” Her words reflect the vulnerability public figures face, especially those starting out with legacy tags attached.
At the same time, she emphasized the value of resilience and growth. “Be open to criticism, introspect, self-criticise, work on your craft but also have a thick skin and don’t let someone’s opinion bring you down. Don’t let your film’s success or failure, perhaps, destroy you in ways but also recognise where you need to work on something and work on your craft and become better,” she added, offering advice that is both practical and grounded in personal experience.
As Ibrahim Ali Khan continues to build his place in the industry, Soha’s support and perspective underscore a larger conversation about how actors — especially those from well-known families — must navigate both privilege and pressure in equal measure.
