Zareen Khan has come to the defense of Ibrahim Ali Khan following the lukewarm reception to his debut film, Nadaaniyan. In a recent interview, Zareen shared her views on nepotism in Bollywood and the challenges faced by newcomers, particularly those with famous family names.

The conversation arose with the interviewer mentioning that star kids need to be better prepared when they enter the industry. Zareen responded by emphasizing the importance of the film itself, stating that Nadaaniyan was a "frivolous film" that offered little opportunity for performance. She implied that the film's shortcomings weren't necessarily a reflection of Ibrahim's capabilities. Zareen added that Ibrahim's upcoming projects look more promising. She suggested that perhaps Ibrahim needs a director who can guide him, similar to how Sanjay Leela Bhansali polished Deepika Padukone early in her career.

Zareen also spoke about the opportunities afforded to "nepo kids" and how some, like Ibrahim, are working hard to overcome the challenges and make their own mark. She acknowledged that Ibrahim has his drawbacks, hinting at potential speech or hearing issues, but praised his efforts to improve. She contrasted this with other newcomers who may not be putting in the same level of work.

Nadaaniyan, which premiered on Netflix in March 2025, stars Ibrahim Ali Khan alongside Khushi Kapoor. The film is a romantic drama set in a "Riverdale High-inspired fairyland" law college, where Pia Jai Singh (Kapoor) and Arjun Mehta (Khan) strike a deal to pose as a couple. The film received largely negative reviews, with critics pointing out its weak screenplay and rehashed plot elements. Some critics noted that Khushi Kapoor fared slightly better than Ibrahim in the film.

Zareen isn't the only one who believes that the film was not a good fit for Ibrahim. She also commented on Aamir Khan's son, Junaid Khan, and his recent debut. While she thought he was good in Maharaj, she felt his second project, Loveyapa, was not the right fit for him.

Zareen also highlighted Alaya F as another talented actress who, in her opinion, hasn't received enough opportunities, possibly due to a lack of powerful industry backing. Zareen contrasted Alaya's situation with her own early career, expressing that she didn't have backing from prominent figures like Karan Johar.