Fardeen Khan on taking kids to 'Michael' biopic: emotional discovery of Jackson's humanity
Synopsis
Fardeen Khan's theatre outing with his kids wasn't just a movie date — it became a meditation on how greatness outlasts trends and technology. As his children left the cinema singing Jackson's songs, the actor glimpsed something deeper: the timeless power of artistry to move strangers in a dark room, generation after generation.
Key Takeaways
Actor Fardeen Khan took his children Diani and Azarius to watch the Michael Jackson biopic ' Michael '.
Khan reflected on his kids discovering Jackson's vulnerability and humanity alongside his genius.
The actor emphasised cinema's irreplaceable magic in an age of streaming and fragmented viewing.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua , the film stars Jaafar Jackson and covers Jackson's life from the Jackson 5 era to the Bad tour .
Khan credited Jackson as one of few artists whose legacy transcends generations and continues to inspire joy worldwide.
Actor Fardeen Khan took his children to watch the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' and shared how the experience moved him profoundly — not just as a film outing, but as a moment of generational connection to the King of Pop's legacy. The actor posted on Instagram about watching his daughter Diani and son Azarius come home singing Jackson's songs and attempting his signature moves, describing the moment as unexpectedly emotional.
Why the film resonated
Khan emphasised that he wanted his children to grasp more than Jackson's music and dancing prowess. "I really wanted them to experience what it felt like to watch someone who, for me, was the greatest showman ever," he wrote. What moved him most was watching his kids "slowly discover the person behind the legend" — the vulnerability, loneliness, pressure, and discipline that coexisted with the genius.
The magic of cinema
The actor reflected on why theatrical experiences remain irreplaceable in an age of streaming and fragmented viewing. "Sitting in a dark theatre with a room full of strangers, all reacting and feeling the same thing together, is still such a beautiful experience," Khan noted, contrasting it with solitary phone viewing. He argued that cinema preserves "moments, energy, emotion, music, and memory for people who were never there to experience it in real time."
Generational legacy of greatness
Khan highlighted how Jackson's artistry transcends time and generational boundaries. "Real greatness somehow survives everything — time, trends, technology, generations," he reflected. He credited Jackson with being among the rare artists who leave an indelible mark, continuing to bring "joy and wonder to people all over the world" through his spirit and music.
About the film
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, 'Michael' stars Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop and features an ensemble cast including Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Mike Myers, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. The film chronicles Jackson's early life from his involvement with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s through the Bad tour in the late 1980s, offering audiences a window into the man behind the global phenomenon.
Point of View
Khan's observation about theatrical communion and generational memory suggests a deeper reckoning with why cinema still matters in 2024.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Fardeen Khan say about taking his children to watch 'Michael'?
Khan shared that the experience moved him more than expected. He wanted his children to discover not just Jackson's music and dancing, but the human vulnerability and discipline behind the legend — the loneliness, pressure, and sensitivity that coexisted with his genius.
Which children did Fardeen Khan take to the theatre?
He took his daughter Diani and son Azarius to watch the Michael Jackson biopic ' Michael '.
What did Khan emphasise about cinema versus streaming?
Khan reflected on cinema's irreplaceable magic, noting that sitting in a dark theatre with strangers, all reacting together, is a beautiful experience that cannot be replicated by watching alone on phones or in fragmented pieces. He argued that cinema preserves moments, emotion, and memory in a way streaming cannot.
Who directed the 'Michael' biopic and who plays Jackson?
The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop. The cast also includes Nia Long , Laura Harrier , Mike Myers , Miles Teller , and Colman Domingo .
