Actor Fardeen Khan has candidly opened up about the emotional and professional challenges he faced following the commercial and critical failure of his debut film Prem Aggan in 1998. In addition, the industry and critics sharply criticized Fardeen Khan’s first step into Bollywood, even though his father, legendary actor and filmmaker Feroz Khan, launched him.
In a recent interview, the actor shared how the experience shook his confidence and altered his career path. He also recalled how his father’s tough-love approach gave him a necessary reality check that helped him build resilience and face the uncertain world of showbiz with maturity.
Fardeen Khan Reflects on Early Rejection
“Of course, it was tough. Criticism was harsh,” Fardeen said, adding that producers backed out of future projects he had already signed. “Money had to be returned. It was really a good chance to sit back and think.”
Feroz Khan, who directed Prem Aggan, gave Fardeen one year of support before making him face the world alone. “He said, ‘We tried, we failed.’ I’m putting a roof over your head. I’ll pay you an X amount of money every month. After that, you’re on your own,” Fardeen shared. “It was a beautiful call. He said I’ve sent you to one of the best universities of the world. I hope you’re prepared to deal with life. This is how life is.”
“His Love Was Tough,” Says Fardeen
Not only that, Fardeen also recounted how Feroz Khan had lost his own father at the age of 13 and had to take care of five siblings. “He said, ‘I had a vision, I did it. Now, let’s see what you’re made of.’ It was as simple as that. It was really what I had to hear at that time. His love was tough! That just speaks to the kind of guy he was,” Fardeen said.
He revealed that he was more interested in filmmaking than acting. “I had a director who was just not my father, but also an iconic actor… You just try and be honest to yourself and the written word on the script. And you try not to mess it up,” he said.
After Prem Aggan, Fardeen starred in Ram Gopal Varma’s thriller Jungle in 2000. He was 35 when Feroz Khan passed away in 2009.
