Zeenat Aman's son Zahaan Khan shares experience growing up in shadow of his mom's stardom: 'I didn't realise it wasn't normal...'

Zeenat Aman’s younger son, Zahaan Khan, has largely kept a low profile, but growing up, he was well aware of his mother’s iconic status. Now 35, the culinary arts graduate and freelance music composer recently shared insights into his childhood and the challenges of growing up in the shadow of a Bollywood legend. In a candid interview with Vogue, Zahaan reflected on navigating fame and the evolving world of social media.

Balancing Fame and Privacy

Although the veteran actress stepped away from the spotlight during her sons' formative years, public recognition followed her wherever she went. Zahaan, having witnessed the trolling and scrutiny that came with his mother’s fame, has grown to be mindful of his own digital footprint. He remains selective about what he shares online, balancing the desire for expression with a deep respect for privacy—something he learned from his mother’s guarded approach to public life.

A Childhood Surrounded by Celebrity

Khan shared that growing up, he was so accustomed to the attention his mother received in public that it felt completely normal. It wasn’t until his twenties—while travelling with her and witnessing fans from around the world express overwhelming admiration—that he fully grasped the extent of her impact. One memory that stands out involves a devoted Russian fan, an elderly woman who would travel to India every year on Zeenat Aman’s birthday, bringing traditional bread and a card—an enduring gesture that, for Zahaan, highlighted the deep emotional connection people have with his mother’s legacy.

A Personal Take on Fashion and Self-Expression

While Zeenat has long been celebrated for her iconic fashion sense, her younger son Zahaan has taken a more laid-back approach to style. Known for his casual wardrobe of Converse sneakers, ripped jeans, and simple tees, fashion wasn’t a priority for him for much of his life. However, with growing self-confidence, he’s now becoming more open to experimenting with different styles, viewing fashion as part of a broader journey of self-discovery and personal expression.