Salman Khan’s family has long been associated with Bollywood’s glitz and glamour, with nearly every member making their mark in the industry. But now, a new star is emerging in a slightly different field—music. Ayan Agnihotri, also known as Agni, is the latest talent from the Khan family, stepping into the world of music with his unique style. As the son of Atul Agnihotri and Alvira Khan, Ayan comes from a lineage of actors, but his passion has led him down the musical path, earning praise and attention for his fresh take on party songs and rap.
From Acting Roots to Musical Ambitions
Ayan’s journey into music might surprise those who expected him to follow the family tradition of acting. With his father, Atul Agnihotri, being an established actor and his uncle, Salman Khan, being one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, acting could have seemed the obvious choice. However, Ayan’s love for music was something that blossomed independently. From a young age, he was drawn to performance and the arts, with music and dance holding a special place in his heart.
“I’ve always been fond of music and dance since childhood,” Ayan shared in an exclusive conversation. “When I was in high school, I started writing poems, and by the time I reached college, I was writing raps and songs. Even though I was studying acting and theater in London, it was during the lockdown that my passion for music took off.”
What’s particularly interesting is that Ayan kept his musical pursuits a secret from his family for a long time. He wanted to be sure of his talent and abilities before revealing his passion to those closest to him. “I had a lot of songs that no one had heard. I didn’t tell my parents or family because I wanted to believe in myself first. I created a YouTube channel with a stage name and uploaded my songs there to see how people would react,” he explained.
The Birth of ‘Agni’: Ayan’s Alter Ego
Ayan chose the stage name “Agni,” a clever nod to his surname, and began releasing music under this alias. His approach was cautious but calculated, and it wasn’t long before his music began to gain traction. With his distinct style and fresh take on rap, Ayan quickly found an audience, leading to the release of his singles like “Party Fever” and “You Are Mine.”
“Party Fever” marked a significant milestone in Ayan’s career. The song was part of a small album he had been working on, and its success was a turning point. “We recorded the song with Aditya Dev, and during one of the sessions, I met Payal Dev. She heard my songs and felt they had a fresh vibe. She asked me to try my hand at a composition she was working on, and that’s how ‘Party Fever’ came about,” Ayan recounted.
The song’s success was further amplified when Salman Khan, fondly known as Mamu to Ayan, decided to be a part of it. “We shot the music video in Armenia, and then we asked Mamu if he could make a reel for promotion. He liked the song so much that he agreed to be in the video itself,” Ayan said with pride.
Collaborating with Salman Khan: A Dream Come True
Collaborating with Salman Khan is a dream for many artists, and for Ayan, it was a surreal experience. His recent collaboration with Salman on the song “You Are Mine” further solidified his place in the music industry. Composed by Vishal Mishra, the song features Salman as the main artist, with Ayan contributing a rap section. “You Are Mine” showcases the blend of their different musical tastes, creating a hybrid sound that resonates with a wide audience.
“Although Mamu and I have different preferences in music—I write and perform in English, while he composes in Hindi—our shared passion for music brings us closer. There’s mutual respect for choices, and it’s great to have someone in the family with whom I can talk about music,” Ayan explained.
The Road Ahead: Music, Acting, and More
Despite his success in music, Ayan isn’t ruling out the possibility of pursuing acting in the future. His training in acting and theatre could serve as a solid foundation should he decide to explore this avenue. “I love performing, whether it’s singing, dancing, or acting. If an opportunity in acting comes along, I would happily take it. But for now, my focus is on music,” he said.
Ayan’s immediate plans include the release of his short album, which features six songs. The album is slated to be released around January 2025, with Ayan aiming to drop one single each month leading up to it. “I’m preparing to shoot the music videos for these songs, and I’m excited about sharing them with the world,” he added.
The Special Bond with Salman Khan
One of the most endearing aspects of Ayan’s journey is his relationship with Salman Khan. While Salman is known for his larger-than-life persona, Ayan describes him as someone who is “very young at heart.” The family’s inside joke that “no one grows old after 20” is a testament to their close-knit bond and the youthful energy that Salman brings to their interactions.
“He’s very cool and down-to-earth with us. It’s great to have someone like him in the family who supports and encourages us in our creative pursuits. He likes that there’s someone else in the family who’s working in music professionally,” Ayan shared.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Ayan Agnihotri continues to carve out his niche in the music industry, it’s clear that he’s not just riding on the coattails of his famous family. With his unique style, passion, and dedication, Ayan is paving his own way, bringing something fresh and exciting to the table. Whether it’s through his catchy rap verses or his collaborations with industry veterans, Ayan is proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with.
With his album on the horizon and a growing fanbase, Ayan’s journey is just beginning. As he continues to explore the world of music, there’s no doubt that he’ll make his mark, just like his uncle Salman Khan has done in the world of cinema. For now, fans can look forward to more of Ayan’s music, knowing that the Khan family legacy is in good hands.
