From ‘Main Hoon Na’ to Making the Impossible Possible — When Zayed Khan Saw It in His Father’s Eyes

By Priyanka Yadav

Bollywood actor Zayed Khan is not only recognized as a star kid but also as an artist who carved his own identity in the film industry through sheer hard work and determination. Recently, he gave an interview to Siddharth Kannan where he openly spoke about various aspects of his life. Let’s find out what he had to say.

Zayed Khan Opens Up on Life, Loss & Stardom

Zayed Khan’s journey is nothing short of inspiring — from a childhood impacted by a serious family tragedy, to taking on responsibilities early, to eventually making a name for himself in the glamorous world of cinema. After gaining popularity with the blockbuster film Main Hoon Na, Zayed won hearts with his performances and emerged as a devoted son, brother, husband, and father in his personal life as well. In this recent conversation with Siddharth Kannan, he opened up candidly about his life’s key moments, struggles, and reflections. Here's a closer look at what he shared.

• Zayed, people often say that star kids are spoiled. Were you a spoiled brat as a child?

Yes, I was a spoiled brat in that sense. I used to think I should get whatever I wanted. I was made to believe that nothing is impossible and that I should always get my way. But over time, I realized the world doesn't work like that. Yes, I was a bit demanding, but I never judged anyone based on their status. For me, talent, communication, and a person’s energy mattered more. That outlook probably came from my father, Sanjay Khan, who was a very grounded man.

• How did you land your first film in the industry? Was it planned or just coincidence?

I once visited a film set where Vikram Bhatt was shooting. Someone there looked at me and said, “You look good. Want to do a film?” I was surprised, but I discussed it with my dad. He said, “If you make your own decisions, life will truly be yours.” I signed the film — Chura Liya Hai Tumne, opposite Esha Deol.

• You and Esha worked in several films together. There were rumors you were dating. Any truth to that?

Esha and I were never in a relationship. We were great friends, and working with her was always a good experience. At the time, my wife Malaika was my girlfriend, and she and Esha were also good friends. Esha is one of the kindest people I know and remains one of my closest friends.

• What was it like working with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Shabd?

I’ve been a fan of Aishwarya since she won Miss World. I even had her picture in my locker! When I heard she was doing Shabd, I signed the film immediately. I’ve always liked picking scripts that are ahead of their time. Working with her was extremely professional and inspiring. She is intelligent and graceful. I was wondering how to start a conversation with her, but she made the first move and asked, “Would you like to rehearse the scene together?” She’s so warm and poised that working with her became easy. And as for her beauty — these days people use filters in photos, but Aishwarya seems to have a natural filter!

• Your father, Sanjay Khan, suffered a major accident on the sets of The Sword of Tipu Sultan. How did that impact your childhood and mindset?

That incident completely changed the way I saw life. I was just 11 when I saw him in the ICU. His face was swollen like a football, and his skin was literally melting onto the bedsheet. He held my hand and asked, “Zayed, are you scared?” Then he said, “Don’t worry, I’ll build an even better hospital than this.” All the doctors said he wouldn’t survive. But two years later, he completed the show, riding a horse! That’s when I truly believed nothing is impossible. Honestly, yes — for a moment, I thought he wouldn’t make it. But then I saw my mother, Zarine Katrak, and my sisters — Farah Khan Ali, Simone Arora, and Sussanne Khan — support him with immense courage and love. That moment grew my respect for women manifold. I couldn’t do much at that age, but I made a promise to myself to grow up and do something big — to take care of my family.

Special Note – Sanjay Khan directed and starred as Tipu Sultan in The Sword of Tipu Sultan. On 8 February 1989, a major fire broke out at Premier Studios in Mysore during the shoot. There were no fire safety arrangements, resulting in the death of 52 crew members. Sanjay Khan suffered third-degree burns and was 65% burnt. He remained in the hospital for 13 months and underwent 73 surgeries. He later detailed the incident in his autobiography The Best Mistake of My Life.

• Do you regret any decision or moment in your life?

No. I don’t regret anything in my life. What’s gone is just a part of memory now — I don’t believe in looking back. Every decision I made, whether good or something I learned from, shaped the person I am today. Life is a journey, and every turn teaches you something. If we keep regretting every small thing, it becomes hard to move forward. I always look ahead — I learn from the past but never stay stuck in it.

• After everything you’ve seen and endured, how do you see yourself today?

Today, when someone says, “That’s impossible,” I just smile, because I’ve seen the impossible become possible — in my father’s eyes, in my mother’s eyes. Yes, people say I’m handsome — and I am — but this face is not just about charm. It tells the story of pain, struggles, and lessons that have made me strong from the inside. Now I see myself as someone who has picked himself up every time he fell.

Film Career

Zayed Khan has appeared in a wide range of memorable and diverse films. He debuted in 2003 with Chura Liya Hai Tumne, and soon won hearts with his chocolate-boy image in Main Hoon Na (2004). He followed up with films like Vaada, Shabd, Shaadi No. 1, Dus (2005), Rocky: The Rebel (2006), Cash (2007), Mission Istanbul and Yuvvraaj (2008). He was also seen in Blue (2009) and Anjaana Anjaani (2010). His later works include Love Breakups Zindagi (2011), the action thriller Tezz (2012), and the comedy-drama Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene (2015).

Personal Life

Zayed Khan married his longtime girlfriend Malaika Parekh in 2005. The couple has two sons, born in 2008 and 2011. Today, they live a happy family life together.

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