Late actor Irrfan Khan’s wife, writer-producer Sutapa Sikdar, candidly opened up about the challenges faced by their son, actor Babil Khan, who has featured in The Railway Men and Qala, during her recent visit to Lucknow. Sutapa revealed how constant comparisons with his legendary father have created immense pressure on Babil, affecting his emotional well-being.

“Babil pe bahut zyada pressure hai aur mujhe yeh thik nahin lagta! This pressure should not be there. Irrfan never had this kind of burden, and when you don’t put pressure on yourself, your individuality shines. It’s not just about work; losing his father has left Babil almost in depression. Usmein yeh stress and comparison hai all the time. As a mother, I feel, ‘Please mere bachche ko chorr do.’ He’s very vulnerable and does not have a fighter’s spirit. His father was very strong and so am I, but genetically kahin se toh aaya hoga,” shared Sutapa.

Drawing parallels, she compared Babil’s journey to actor Abhishek Bachchan’s career struggles. “Like, Abhishek Bachchan did amazing work in I Want To Talk but wahi hai...comparisons with legendary Amitabh Bachchan have worked against him. I feel Babil is going through a similar ordeal. I just hope he overcomes it soon.”

On the professional front, Sutapa, who contributed to Kahani (2012), is slowly returning to her creative pursuits. She has consulted for two TV shows and is now working on a book and a film. “I am writing a book and a film, but to be honest, I am still unable to become an individual that I can focus on career or writing. I am unable to detach myself, and simultaneously, Babil’s career has started, and phir kabhi kuch, kabhi kuch…so I am still stuck. I have written the skeleton part of the film. Besides, I have started a book on Irrfan but not a serious preachy one and want to do it in a funny genre, which needs time,” she said.

Asked if she plans to direct or act in her film, she said, “Whoever I have narrated the concept has suggested that I should direct it. Babil can fit in as it’s about mother and son, but surely, I won’t act in it.”