Babil Khan has officially stepped away from director Sai Rajesh’s upcoming Hindi remake of Baby, following a turbulent period sparked by a now-deleted video that went viral and drew significant backlash. In an emotional and reflective Instagram post shared on Saturday, Babil confirmed the exit and explained that he would be taking a break, while also making it clear that his departure was amicable and founded on mutual respect.
Babil acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, writing, “With a lot of grit, passion, and mutual respect, Sai Rajesh Sir and I both got along on this journey of creating magic together. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, things didn't go ahead as planned.” He also emphasized that there is “immense love” between him and the filmmaker, adding that he hopes to collaborate with the team again in the future.
Director Sai Rajesh responded with equal grace, calling Babil “one of the most talented and hardworking actors” he has worked with. However, Rajesh didn’t shy away from mentioning his disappointment. Reflecting on the time they spent in preparation, he wrote, “I was very happy to be working with such a talented actor… I will miss my Hero.” He further expressed support for Babil’s decision to prioritize self-care and was hopeful about working with him again.
The controversy that precipitated this fallout stemmed from a video Babil had posted online, in which he appeared to criticize fellow actors. The video quickly went viral, attracting heavy criticism. Babil later clarified that his comments had been “misinterpreted” and that his intention was to praise, not diminish, his peers. The backlash prompted him to deactivate his account temporarily.
However, Sai Rajesh publicly addressed the situation with a firm tone, questioning the “attitude” displayed by Babil and his team. He remarked that the video made it seem as though only a few actors were worthy of respect, leaving others, including the Baby remake team—feeling sidelined and unappreciated.
Despite the fallout, both parties have opted to end the collaboration on respectful terms. Babil’s decision to step back also signals a broader intent to recalibrate and reflect during a time of personal and professional scrutiny.
Most recently, Babil was seen in the film Logout, and though this exit marks a pause in his next major project, it’s evident that he still holds goodwill among filmmakers and fans who recognize his potential.
