Babil Khan, the son of late actor Irrfan Khan, apologised to a woman for photobombing her during an event in Mumbai. He faced back against the social media trolls who called him ‘fake’ and questioned his modest and courteous behaviour. In a lengthy post, Babil explained on social media that people mistakenly think he is “pretentious” when, in reality, he is just “trying to adjust to fame.”

Babil posted on Instagram to address all the times he was tormented for different reasons: “All I did was say, ‘Hello, I’m Babil,’ and the way you looked at me changed.” I am aware that you perceive me as being false, thinking that I am conceited and acting modest when, in reality, I am certain that I know who he is. Alternatively, I could say that my apology is too late. It’s simply the way I was raised; I’m not strategically inclined.

Babil stated that perhaps people react strangely to him because he is different during moments when all the actors ‘look the same’. “I know it’s weird to see something new when all the clones look the same, but that’s how I am. I am who I am. To be completely honest with you, though, I’m just having trouble adjusting to my newfound fame. The ‘Qala’ actor wrote, “I guess someday it’ll pay. I put in the work and deal with the pain.”

The actor also talked about how the things that once made people love him now serve as the catalyst for their animosity. And while I respect your opinions and care about you, a change is overdue. You now use the same reasons you once loved me as justification for your hatred. However, I recognise you—the actual people, the everyday people, the ones who never changed lanes. I will always be there for you; you are my family, so I continue playing the game. This is our armed forces. Finally, Babil Khan said, “I love you.”

For those who don’t know, on May 8, Babil Khan attended the grand opening of a jewellery store in Mumbai. When he arrived, he was unaware of a woman posing for the photographers. Babil noticed her and became visibly embarrassed that he had photobombed her. In an online video from the event, he expressed his sincere regret to the woman. Social media users had mixed reactions to the video, with some applauding the actor for his humility and others criticising him for acting less than modest.