In December 2016, Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan welcomed their first child together, a moment of immense joy that was swiftly overshadowed by an unexpected public debate. The couple's choice of name for their newborn son – Taimur Ali Khan – ignited a firestorm on social media, turning a private celebration into a topic of national discourse.
The Personal Meaning Behind the Name Taimur
Faced with mounting criticism, Saif Ali Khan addressed the issue head-on in an interview with Mumbai Mirror. He clarified that the name was selected for its intrinsic beauty and significance, devoid of any political or historical intent. "My wife and I love the sound of it and we love its meaning," the actor stated. He further explained, "I am aware of the heritage of the Turkish ruler—he was Timur. My son is Taimur, an ancient Persian name that means iron." For the couple, the name symbolized strength and had a personal resonance, unrelated to the 14th-century Central Asian conqueror, Timur, whose invasion of Delhi was cited by critics online.
Navigating the Public Backlash and Finding Support
As the trolling intensified, Saif chose a measured response. He reflected on the incident, noting the multitude of voices that eventually rose in his defense. "I felt I didn't have to say anything because a lot of people had spoken wisely and liberally. Voices that kind of vindicated my decision and made me feel that it's absolutely fine to have the freedom to name my child as I wished," he shared. With characteristic wit, he later remarked that he perhaps should have included a movie-style disclaimer about any resemblance to historical figures being coincidental.
The family also received strong backing from within the industry. Kareena Kapoor's uncle, the late veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, publicly supported the parents' right to choose their child's name. Echoing this sentiment, Saif dismissed the uproar as baseless, saying, "Yes, there were some people who raised objections, but to look at medieval history and make value judgments is, I think, ridiculous."
Family Milestones and Upcoming Projects
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, who tied the knot in 2012 after a five-year relationship, welcomed their first son on December 20, 2016, at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. Their family expanded with the arrival of their second son, Jehangir Ali Khan, on February 21, 2021.
On the professional front, Saif Ali Khan is set to appear next in director Priyadarshan's film 'Haiwaan', alongside Akshay Kumar. Kareena Kapoor was recently seen in the blockbuster action film 'Singham Again', which featured an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone.
