Latest news with #AmitGolani
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Logout' star Babil Khan: 'I always wanted to be loved'
In an Instagram post this week, Babil Khan, son of the late Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, explained that he'd be stepping away from a project by director Sai Rajesh. He said he's taking some time off. The move comes days after a tearful cryptic post on social media about the negativity in India's movie industry, which was deleted soon after. In all the ensuing drama of him refuting claims that he'd been dissing the industry, actors either calling him silly or speaking up in his defence, it's his latest project, Logout, available for streaming on Zee5 Global that has slipped through the cracks. The film, a deep dive into the lengths an influencer might go to for followers, has won plaudits for his acting prowess while sliding off audience radars due to all the real life drama. The cyber security thriller was written by Biswapati Sarkar and directed by Amit Golani. In a conversation with Babil, we heard about why he likes auditions, how he deals with stage fright, and why he read the Logout script a hundred times. Excerpts from the interview In Logout, you play an influencer. Do you identify with the label? I don't resonate with being an influencer, but I resonate with needing external validation. I resonate with the soul of the character. I don't resonate with his job. So, what happens when you don't get the validation? How do you deal with negative feedback? I believe that you can't think your way out of struggle and pain. It's important to surrender. Don't try to be anything, but what you are in that moment. If you're feeling anxiety, feel that anxiety. Rather than attaching your identity to that emotion, observe it from a distance. See the effects of it on you. I think that's what being alive is. Do you take part in a lot of auditions? Yes, I audition a lot because that is a good way to practice. People have this really strange idea that auditions are nerve wracking, but the moment you change your perception towards auditions, you realise they can be a great way to practice acting. That is where I go and understand acting. And every audition makes me a better actor. Have you ever suffered from stage fright? I have stage fright. But the truth is that no matter how scared you are, if you change the way you look at fear, the effect of fear changes. I remember recently, I was walking on for a ramp and right before the I went on stage, my knees were shivering. But I breathed. I just watched the fear. Instead of being overwhelmed by it, I chose my action towards that fear. I surrendered to that. And then the fear didn't affect my outcome. How did you prepare for your role in Logout? I prepped with my best friend and my acting mentor, Rachit Singh, a little bit and then I researched a lot of content. Other than that, I would say that the script is so intricately written and so well designed that I didn't have to do much. Rather than just study the text repeatedly, I just stuck with the script -- I read the script like 100 times. Did you always want to be in the entertainment space? I wanted to be loved. And I convinced myself that the only way that would happen is if I became famous… I wanted to be a star. What are the lessons from your dad that you carry forward? The only reason I know about surrender, about not labelling emotions good or bad, and that is nothing is right or wrong is because of him and the way he lived life. He never taught me anything about acting. He lived with me and he laughed with me, and that's how I learned.
Web Release
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Trailer Out Now: Babil Khan's 'Logout' is a Wake-Up Call on the Hidden Dangers of Phone Addiction
ZEE5 Global, the world's largest streaming platform for South Asian content, is all set to unveil its latest thrilling mystery, Logout—a suspenseful tale that will have viewers questioning the security of their digital lives. Directed by Amit Golani and written by Biswapati Sarkar, this gripping film promises a dynamic mix of tension and drama, featuring Babil Khan, Rasika Dugal, Nimisha Nair, and Gandharv Dewan in pivotal roles. Produced by Digital 18 Media Private Limited (erstwhile Viacom 18 Studios) and Posham Pa Pictures, Logout has already made waves on the international festival circuit, being showcased at renowned events such as the 21st Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2024, Mal Del Plata 2024, Indian Film Festival Melbourne 2024, and the River to River Florence Indian Film Festival 2024, where it has garnered rave reviews. Now, anticipation builds as the film gears up for its ZEE5 Global release on April 18th. The story follows Pratyush (Babil Khan), a 26-year-old social media influencer on the verge of reaching 10 million followers, when his life takes a dark turn. A fan's obsessive fixation drags him into a chilling game of cat and mouse, shattering his carefully curated world. Logout taps into the modern-day problem of digital dependence, resonating deeply with today's audience and exploring the dangers of being entrapped in a virtual world. With its timely and relatable theme, the film promises to captivate and provoke thought about the ever-growing influence of digital dependence and the security of our digital lives. Director Amit Golani shared, 'Directing Logout has been an immensely rewarding experience. At its heart, the film delves into the complex and often unsettling relationship between individuals and their growing dependence on the digital world — especially our increasing reliance on smartphones. It explores how overdependence on our phones has crept into every aspect of life, and how helpless we can feel without them. I aimed to capture that tension in a way that feels both intense and profoundly relatable. Babil has truly embodied his character, bringing it to life in a way that feels raw and authentic. I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished. With ZEE5 Global as a global platform, Logout is poised to reach a wide audience, and I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to share this timely, real, and deeply relevant story with the world'. Writer Biswapati Sarkar shared, 'Writing Logout has been an exciting journey, especially since the scenarios and situations in the film feel so relevant to our daily lives. The idea of being trapped in a digital world with no escape mirrors the very real anxieties we all face today. I'm deeply grateful for the collaboration with Amit, Babil, and the entire cast and crew, whose contributions have brought this script to life. I hope viewers connect with the film, as it holds up a mirror to the behaviors and realities many of us experience every day'. Actor Babil Khan said, 'I'm really looking forward to audiences experiencing Logout. The film has already been showcased at several international film festivals, earning great reviews, and now, I can't wait for its release on ZEE5 Global, where a wider audience will get to see it. This role truly pushed me out of my comfort zone, immersing me in the digital world — a space that's both fascinating and dangerously unpredictable. Playing a modern-day influencer and navigating the complexities of virtual success was a unique challenge, especially since my character is so different from who I am in real life. I'm incredibly proud to be part of a story that feels so relevant today, shedding light on the darker side of our online lives. Logout is an intense, fast-paced thriller, and I can't wait for viewers to join my character, Pratyush, on this gripping journey'. 'Logout' premieres on 18th April on ZEE5 Global! Users can download the ZEE5 Global app from Google Play Store / iOS App Store. It is available on Roku devices, Apple TVs, Android TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung Smart TVs. Users can also access ZEE5 Global on
