Fardeen Khan, the Bollywood actor known for his work in the Indian film industry, is currently in Dubai navigating a challenging phase of parenting that many expatriates in the city face—securing a place in a competitive school for his children. Speaking from his apartment overlooking Dubai Marina, Khan shared insights into his life as a hands-on father, balancing family priorities with his professional commitments.
Khan’s 13-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son, Azarius, have been studying in London, but the family is preparing for their return to Dubai next September. Khan described the difficulty of obtaining admission to top institutions, mentioning that one of their preferred choices is Jumeirah College. Despite his celebrity status, Khan acknowledged that the school’s waitlist remains demanding, highlighting the challenges faced by many parents seeking quality education in the city.
Clarifying his residential plans, Khan made it clear that while Dubai holds a special place in his heart, he is not relocating permanently. He stressed the importance of fatherhood in his life, saying it has brought fulfillment beyond his acting career. His fondness for Dubai stems from its family-friendly environment, which he described as safe and welcoming, allowing his children the freedom to explore with minimal supervision.
Khan’s approach to parenting appears relaxed and grounded. Rather than enforcing strict authoritarian rules, he embraces open communication with his children, even noting the humorous moments when his daughter refers to him colloquially as “bro.” He rejects traditional formalities, preferring to be called simply by his nickname, Dean, among family members. According to Khan, respect must be earned through actions rather than demanded by titles or hierarchy.
Despite acknowledging past personal difficulties, Khan emphasized a philosophy of providing his children with love, security, and the freedom to learn from mistakes. He spoke candidly about embracing uncertainties as part of parenting and recognized that many aspects are beyond his control.
At 54, Khan appears comfortable with aging and has no interest in cosmetic alterations, focusing instead on being the best version of himself at this stage of life. He attributes changes in audience preferences to the rise of streaming platforms, which have shifted storytelling toward more nuanced and diverse cinematic experiences. Consequently, his recent career choices reflect a move away from the traditional Bollywood blockbuster model toward projects that resonate personally.
One such upcoming project is “Kohinoor,” a Netflix series produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji banner, in which Khan portrays Malik Kufur, a historical military commander from the Delhi Sultanate era.
As dusk settled over Dubai Marina, Khan reflected on the city’s allure, saying that its atmosphere is a key reason he has chosen to remain connected to Dubai. Having shifted focus from chasing stardom to building a meaningful family life, Khan appears to have found a balance that defines his current phase—prioritizing fatherhood and selective career pursuits amid a supportive environment.