Celebrated for his roles in Friday Night Plan, The Railway Men, and Qala, Babil Khan recently reminisced on his time as a student in London. The young actor spoke candidly about the difficulties he had while studying overseas, which he remembers with nostalgia as some of the happiest times of his life. Babil also reflected in his essay on a specific instance from an interview when his father’s candor had a profound effect on him.

Babil spoke out about his limited finances, saying that while he was given a 600-pound allowance each month, the excitement of student life and the high expense of living in London soon depleted it. He said, “I traveled to London on very little pocket money.” He also disclosed that, due to financial constraints, he often performed in pubs and stadiums, including well-known venues like Wembley Stadium and Lord’s Cricket Ground. “I worked bars and bartened at Lord’s, Wembley, and even some intense football stadiums where if you didn’t pour that Guinness right, the fans would literally assault you,” he said.

Babil looked for innovative methods to get money in order to get by for the remainder of the month. He began using his talents to create music videos for rappers, saying that this was one way he was able to continue despite the difficulties. “I shot music videos for rappers, took ketchup from McDonald’s, and took bread from my friend when the pocket money ran out because 600 pounds in London for a month is barely enough—ask anyone attending university in London.”

In addition to his cinematography work, Babil worked as a bartender at Wembley and Lord’s Stadium. “I bet anybody to pour it better than me till today,” he said playfully, recalling the bartending shifts with fondness. In addition to giving him additional money, his employment allowed him to work at famous locations and interact with London’s varied population, which enhanced his time as a student. When Babil thought back on those times, he was proud and resilient. He hoped his father could have seen how he overcame those challenges and developed into a more resilient person. “I wish I could have shown him that boy bab,” he said.