There is no single path to success in the film industry. Some use connections, others rely on luck and hard work, while a few gain experience in filmmaking before facing the camera. As the nepotism debate continues, director-choreographer Ahmed Khan’s son, Azaan (23), is preparing for his acting debut in a yet-untitled revenge drama, which begins filming in November in a start-to-finish schedule.
While Ahmed is busy directing Welcome to the Jungle, he’s also focused on finding the right launch vehicle for Azaan. The actor has worked behind the scenes before stepping into the spotlight. “Aamir [Khan] learned direction as he was filmmaker Tasir Hussain’s son, writer Salim Khan’s son Salman [Khan] was an assistant director before becoming an actor. They all learnt filmmaking before becoming actors to reach where they are now,” says Ahmed.
Azaan started as a technician, learning the ropes of direction, production, choreography, and martial arts. “Azaan has grown up watching filmmaking at home. When he was 15 years old, he shot and featured in his own song. One day, he told me that he had learned all [about filmmaking] and now wanted to try his hand at acting,” Ahmed shares. On sets, Azaan would stand in for actors, reciting dialogues and expressions under the DoP’s guidance between shots. “Only a technician’s son can understand the importance of this. He doesn’t wish to debut as a typical, chocolate-boy or dancing hero but as something completely unconventional,” Ahmed confirms.
Directing his son
Being a director, one would assume that Ahmed Khan will direct his son’s launch vehicle. However, he says that he “will direct Azaan Khan’s second film”. “It is a challenge to make a film on a technician’s son who is from the film industry but I know Azaan will make me proud,” he says.