Why did Irrfan Khan's son, Babil, throw his phone into the ocean?

Babil Khan’s latest movie, 'Logout', delves into the unsettling reality of social media obsession, the insatiable thirst for online popularity, and its damaging effects on mental well-being. In the film, Babil portrays a frantic digital content creator who is fixated on achieving 10 million followers. However, in stark contrast, the real Babil seems largely unaffected by this influencer culture.

In an exclusive chat with SCREEN, Babil recounted an incident that underscored his indifference toward the digital rat race. Reflecting on a past experience, he said, “Once, I tossed my phone into the sea while in the Andamans.” When asked what prompted such an extreme action, he elaborated, “Someone called me while I was scuba diving. I was already underwater, immersed in the moment, and they insisted I return immediately for a brand campaign. I calmly told them to give me five minutes, and instead, I hurled my phone straight into the ocean. This isn’t a joke—it really happened.”

When questioned about the aftermath of his impulsive act, Babil responded with cool defiance: “What aftermath?” He further asserted, “I live on my own terms. No one gets to dictate how I should experience life. I embrace everything fully—joy, sadness, anger, and even the hate. I’m an introvert by nature, but I refuse to shrink from truly living.”

Interestingly, Babil didn’t always have this perspective. Like many in today’s hyperconnected world, he too once found himself hooked to the virtual attention social media offers. “I was addicted. I was getting validation, people praising me—it felt amazing,” he admitted. “But over time, I realised it wasn’t genuine.” When asked what prompted this awakening, the Qala actor credited his introspective upbringing. “I was raised to constantly evaluate my actions. Initially, I bought into the illusion that the admiration and love online were authentic. But soon the same people turned on me, and I understood—none of it was real. Some users would comment things like ‘Like for Irrfan,’ and I couldn’t even process what that meant. It felt so hollow.”

Babil is deeply concerned about how reliant young people have become on digital validation. “Today’s generation treats their phones like they’re an actual limb,” he said. “Social media operates like a drug—it hooks you with the highs of dopamine hits. The more you chase that rush, the more dependent you become. It’s like you’re no longer in control, as if the screen is an extension of your body.”

For the unversed, Babil is the son of late actor Irrfan Khan.