When Saif Ali Khan revealed why he and Kareena Kapoor named their son Taimur, ‘We loved the sound and the meaning’

When Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor welcomed their first child together in December 2016, their joy was soon mixed with controversy. The couple named their newborn son Taimur Ali Khan, a choice that instantly sparked debate on social media.

What should have been a private, happy moment turned into a national discussion, with many questioning the name’s historical associations.

Saif Ali Khan on the meaning behind the name

At the time, Saif Ali Khan addressed the criticism in an interview with Mumbai Mirror, explaining the deeply personal reason behind the name. He said, “My wife and I love the sound of it and we love its meaning. I am aware of the heritage of the Turkish ruler—he was Timur. My son is Taimur, an ancient Persian name that means iron.”The actor clarified that the name was chosen for its meaning and sound, not for any historical or political symbolism. Despite this, social media users drew comparisons to Timur, the Central Asian invader who once attacked Delhi, leading to widespread trolling.

Responding to the backlash and public debate

As the controversy grew, Saif chose not to react immediately. Reflecting on the situation, he shared, “People talk about the country becoming right-wing and fascist, and we have all these fears… but the fact of the matter is that if you view the kind of unnecessary drama over Taimur, there were a lot of voices… 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 added with honesty and a hint of humour, “I should have added a disclaimer, as they do in the movies, that any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.”The debate also saw strong support for the couple. Kareena Kapoor’s uncle, the late actor Rishi Kapoor, publicly defended them, reminding critics that naming a child is solely the parents’ choice.

Echoing that sentiment, Saif said, “Yes, there were some people who raised objections, but to look at medieval history and make value judgments is, I think, ridiculous.”Saif married Kareena Kapoor in 2012 after a five-year courtship. They welcomed Taimur Ali Khan on December 20, 2016, at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. The couple later had their second child, Jehangir Ali Khan, on February 21, 2021.

On the work front

Saif Ali Khan will next be seen in Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan, co-starring Akshay Kumar. Kareena Kapoor was last seen in Singham Again, which also starred Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and others.