Faisal Khan
Biography
Mohammad Faisal Hussain Khan, popularly known as Faisal Khan, was born on 3 August 1966 in India. He is an Indian actor and director known primarily for his role as Shankar Shane in the iconic Hindi film Mela. Faisal comes from a prominent film family, with his brother Aamir Khan being one of the most celebrated actors, directors, and producers in the Indian film industry.
Faisal’s lineage traces back to Bollywood, with his father being the famous producer Tahir Hussain and his uncle Nasir Hussain being a well-known director and producer. Faisal’s extended family includes Nikhat Khan (a producer and actress), Farhat Khan, and his nephew Imran Khan, a former actor. Additionally, his great-granduncle was the renowned freedom fighter Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
Family Background
- Father: Tahir Hussain (a producer in Hindi cinema)
- Brother: Aamir Khan (actor, director, and producer)
- Sisters: Nikhat Khan (producer and actress) and Farhat Khan
- Nephew: Imran Khan (former Bollywood actor)
- Paternal Uncle: Nasir Hussain (film producer and director)
- Great-grandnephew of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
This illustrious film lineage shaped Faisal's career trajectory and his entry into the Indian film industry.
Early Career
Faisal Khan began his journey in the entertainment industry at the age of three with his first film appearance in Pyar Ka Mausam (1969), directed by his uncle Nasir Hussain. In that film, Faisal played a child version of Shashi Kapoor’s role.
He entered the industry officially as an adult in 1988, appearing in a minor villainous role in his brother Aamir Khan’s blockbuster Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Faisal also worked as an assistant director on his father’s 1990 film Tum Mere Ho, which starred Aamir in the lead role.
Career Highlights
Debut and Leading Roles
Faisal Khan’s first leading role came in 1994 in the film Madhosh, produced by his father and directed by Vikram Bhatt. Despite having great promise, the film did not perform well at the box office, which led to a five-year hiatus in his acting career.
Comeback in Mela
In 2000, Faisal made his return to the screen with Mela, co-starring with his brother Aamir Khan. Despite its box office failure, the film garnered attention, with director Dharmesh Darshan praising Faisal's acting performance.
Acting Career in B-grade Films and TV
Following Mela, Faisal appeared in several B-grade films, though they failed commercially. Between 2003-2004, he starred in the popular TV serial Aandhi, showcasing his versatility in both film and television.
Filmography and Hiatus
After his appearance in the 2005 movie Chand Bujh Gaya, Faisal took another decade-long break from acting. His career took a turn in 2015 when he returned to the industry with his directorial debut and roles in low-budget thrillers.
Recent Projects
- 2015: Announced comeback with Chinar Daastaan-E-Ishq, produced by Rajesh Jain.
- 2017: Starred in Danger, a horror film directed by Faisal Saif (still unreleased).
- 2021: Directed and starred in the psychological thriller Factory while also contributing as a singer.
- 2022: Marked his debut in the Kannada film industry with Oppanda.
Personal Life
Faisal Khan's personal life has been the subject of media attention, particularly during a high-profile incident in 2007, when he went missing for two days. Reports indicated that Faisal had filed a police complaint accusing his brother Aamir Khan of confining him at home, suspecting that Faisal was struggling with mental health issues. Eventually, Faisal was traced to Pune and brought back to Mumbai for a medical examination.
The incident led to a highly publicized custody battle involving Aamir Khan and their father, Tahir Hussain. The custody was eventually awarded to their father, with Faisal’s health and mental wellness closely monitored afterward.
This period of his life marked a significant personal and professional challenge, but Faisal has since returned to his passion for acting and directing, continuing to shape his career in the film industry.
