My name is Rizvan Khan. I might seem a little ‘different’ to you. That is because I have Aspergers Syndrome. It is named after Dr Hans Asperger who first noticed the traits in children. Having Aspergers does not mean I am stupid. I am very intelligent, but I don’t understand people. I don’t know why people say things they don’t mean. For example, they say come to my house any time, and when I go to their house they say why have you come at this time? Sometimes people think I am rude. I don’t mean to be rude, being rude is not good. My mother said there are only good people and bad people in the world and I am a good person...

His Story

Rizvan Khan, a Muslim man from India, moves to San Francisco and lives with his brother and sister-in-law. Rizvan, who has Aspergers, falls in love with Mandira. Despite protests from his family they get married and start a small business together. They are happy until September 11, 2001 when attitudes towards Muslims undergo a sea-change. When tragedy strikes, Mandira is devastated and they split. Rizvan is confused and very upset that the love of his life has left him. To win her back, he embarks on a touching and inspiring journey across America.

‘My Name is Khan’ is the triumphant story of an unconventional hero overcoming obstacles to regain the love of his life.

Director’s Note

The journey to make this film has been heavily laden with self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the various manifestations of love, loss, strife, fear, ignorance, and social consciousness. Stretching beyond a form and process of storytelling that I had been comfortable with earlier, this film challenged me to understand a multitude of perspectives as I tried to convey all of the various opinions, facts, and propaganda that comes with the global issue of discrimination and intolerance towards a race of people completely unassociated by the evils of terrorism

With “My Name is Khan”, I have been able to understand the craft of filmmaking on a deeper level, aided greatly by the immense talent and dedication that was brought to the table by my entire cast and crew.

- Karan Johar