Ibrahim Ali Recalls Early And Ongoing Struggles To Overcome Speech Problems

India-West News Desk

MUMBAI – Ibrahim Ali Khan, who made his acting debut opposite Khushi Kapoor in Nadaaniyan, has reflected on the personal battles that shaped his early life, including a significant speech challenge.

Speaking to GQ India, Ibrahim recounted his time at a boarding school in England—a move prompted by his ongoing health issues. “Being Indian, it was hard to fit in, but I ended up having the best four years of my life. I played sports, made close friends, and grew a lot. My speech problem was really severe back then, and being in that new environment forced me to adapt quickly. I don’t want to sound like a privileged kid complaining, but when you’re 14 and on your own, boarding school can be really tough. It was strict, but it shaped who I am and changed the way I see the world,” he said.

He also spoke about the roots of his speech impediment. “Not long after I was born, I had a serious case of jaundice that affected my brainstem,” he shared. “I lost quite a bit of my hearing, which had a direct effect on my ability to speak. Since childhood, I’ve worked very hard with coaches and therapists to improve it. It’s still not perfect—I’m still putting in the work.”