Fardeen Khan, celebrated for his charismatic screen presence and versatile performances, recently graced the latest episode of In The Ring with Filmfare, available now on Filmfare’s YouTube channel. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Jitesh Pillai, Filmfare, this engaging talk show offers fans an exclusive glimpse into the lives and careers of some of the most sought-after talents in the film and OTT industries, all set against the backdrop of a live audience that heightens the immersive experience.
The son of the legendary actor Feroz Khan, Fardeen made his cinematic debut with Prem Aggan and quickly carved a niche for himself. Despite experiencing both hits and misses early on, he soon became known for his charm and versatility in romantic and comedic roles. With pivotal roles in films like No Entry, Heyy Babyy, Khel Khel Mein and many more, Fardeen built a filmography that speaks to his talent. Born into a family with a rich legacy in Bollywood, he has always worked hard to forge his own identity in the industry. In the candid conversation, he opened up about his family ties, journey into films, struggles, personal growth, and many more.
Reflecting on his observations of films from the ’80s and ’90s, Fardeen shared, “Back in the ’80s and ’90s, acting wasn’t seen as respectable. It was just people running around trees and melodrama. Sure, there were some good movies, but they didn’t have the same cool factor. English films were cool, Hindi films weren’t. They were just graduating from the social dramas of the ’70s, and the action genre was still finding its feet. It wasn’t the coolest thing to want to be an actor back then.”
Opening up about his struggles with alcohol in his younger years, Fardeen candidly acknowledged the challenges while overcoming addiction, “I had to grow up very quickly, due to the dysfunction in which I grew up in. There were aspects of myself I had to shut down. I compensated and distracted myself. There was alcohol and hedonism. I lived a risqué life and was on the edge. My dad said I was burning the candle from both ends. I wanted these distractions, but it all catches up. That’s what I have learnt. You can’t escape it,” the actor added.
Speaking about marriage and his personal life, Fardeen revealed, “I always said marriage was important to me for responsibility, not for any other reason. I felt that I knew myself enough by the time I was 35 or 36 to take that responsibility. And only then I got married. I believe in love relations and marriage, so many complications can come up to.”
He spoke about the realities of long-distance parenting, highlighting the challenges it brings, saying, “Yes, it is tough.” While getting emotional, Fardeen also revealed that being a father was important to him. “Not being a part of their everyday life is difficult. It’s tough. You’ve got holidays and phones. Thank God for Facetime and Zoom. Fortunately, I have a very strong bond with my children. That’s special.”
Discussing his father’s influence, Fardeen described him as a curious, thoughtful man who placed great value on education, “My father was always curious, a thinker, and believed in the power of education. He was keen that I finish my studies first, and then I could do whatever I wanted. He wanted me to find myself and my identity, which is why he sent me to America—to experience life and grow. Looking back, those years in Boston were some of the best years of my life, even though business wasn’t my first choice. He knew it would shape me, and in the end, it did.”
Looking back on his younger self, Fardeen offered insightful tips to his younger soul, “My advice to my younger self would be to treat yourself the way you would treat your best friend. I was harsh on myself, living up to the exact standards of my father and carrying a lot of emotional baggage. I shut parts of myself down to cope, never fully living as my authentic self. Being a father has changed me, softened me in ways, because helping my children grow and be true to themselves has taught me the importance of self-worth and emotional validation.”