Zayn with Aamir Khan's daughter, Ira

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; October 22, 2016)

He bowed out of Bollywood over a decade and half ago, although he made an exception for nephew Imran Khan's debut film, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008), which he co-produced with his star cousin Aamir Khan. Happily settled in Coonoor, filmmaker-turned-cheese farmer Mansoor Khan has no plans to return to cinema, but don't be surprised if his daughter, Zayn, 23, enters films in the near future.

Says Mansoor, “My daughter assisted on [Karan Johar's] Kapoor & Sons, and wants to become an actor. She studied literature, and directed a play in college. At present, she is honing her acting skills. I have told her acting doesn't necessarily mean playing the heroine, so she is not under any illusion. I am sure she will find her way in this industry.”

According to the Khans' cheese making farm-stay website, Zayn completed her class 12 from a private school in Kotagiri, near Coonoor. She graduated in literature from Stella Maris College in Chennai.

Mansoor, who is known to be media-shy, is in town for the Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander reunion at the ongoing Mumbai Film Festival. The 1992 Aamir-starrer that he helmed had gone on to become a superhit.

“In real life, I felt like Sanjay Lal Sharma — Aamir's character in the film. It mirrors my personal life. I was writing Jo Jeeta... before Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak [1988; his directorial debut]. I wanted to do something stable, so that I could redeem myself and face my parents, especially my father,” he says.

Mansoor insists he doesn't miss being part of the Bollywood glitz, but is always there for Aamir and Imran when they need advice on scripts or even otherwise. “If I manage to write a script, I would have to direct it, which is not happening [anytime soon]. But even if I do, I wouldn't call it a comeback; I might just make the film and return to my normal life,” he signs off.



Zayn with mother Tina, father Mansoor and younger brother Pablo. Pics/Zayn's Instagram account