Khalid began his film career by writing the script for Shyam Benegal’s Mammo (1995), which was loosely based on his grand-aunt’s life.

In 1994, he wrote a moving piece about this aunt who had been deported to Pakistan from India since she was not an Indian national. Benegal asked him if he could make a film based on her story; this was the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between the two. Mohamed went on to write screenplays for Benegal’s Sardari Begum (1996) and Zubeidaa (2001) also based on women from his family.

His first directorial venture, Fiza, was released in 2000. He followed it up with Tehzeeb (2003) and then Silsiilay (2005).

A long-time film critic for The Times of India and then for Hindustan Times, Khalid is a prolific writer and a legendary film critic. He’s also been a national editor with the finest entertainment supplements and magazines that you find in India today.

Khalid has been an editor with leading newspapers and magazines such as Filmfare, The Times Of India, Hindustan Times and DNA. He is one of the most followed film critics in India.

He has written and directed the stage play Kennedy Bridge, besides scripting and directing three documentaries — The Last Irani Chai, Little Big People and the recently completed The Master: Shyam Benegal.

His books include Wherefore Art Thou: M F Husain, To Be or Not To Be: Amitabh Bachchan, Two Mothers and other short stories andFaction.

Khalid lives in south Mumbai.