Aamil Keeyan Khan

Aamil Keeyan Khan, honestly, is one of those names that’s just started popping up everywhere, and not for nothing. Born in Jamshedpur, grew up in Kolkata, regular middle-class life—dad hustling at work, mom holding down the fort at home. The guy was into the arts from way back. School wasn’t just about books for him; he was already winning acting awards at 17, thanks to Rangotsav, and had a knack for stand-up comedy that landed him on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge back in 2008. But, you know, comedy’s cool and all, but he clearly wanted more—acting, storytelling, the whole shebang. So, what does he do? Starts his own theatre group, Nine Point Blank, in 2009. Didn’t have cash to splash around, so he’s writing, directing, acting—doing everything, basically. By 2012, it’s clear Kolkata’s not big enough for his dreams, so he sticks it out for a few years before shifting to Mumbai in 2016. Not gonna lie, it wasn’t all glitz and glamour—editing documentaries, directing commercials, writing ad films for ICAI with Boman Irani, just grinding. Then, finally, boom—he lands his first real break as a screenwriter with “Runway 34,” even sneaking in a cameo. After that, things really start rolling. Next came “Drishyam 2,” a monster hit, bagging him an IIFA and a Zee Cine nomination. More biggies followed—“Bholaa,” and then “Shaitaan” in 2024, which totally smashed box office records for Indian horror. Theatre, films, mimicry, jamming on the harmonium—Khan’s clearly not just a one-trick pony. Dude’s got range, hustle, and a soft spot for horror movies.