Khan had his screen debut in the 2010 film West Is West, the sequel to the 1999 film East Is East. He was fifteen years old when he auditioned. and was sixteen years old and sixth form Khan had done only one school play when younger and had no other acting experience when cast. He was considered “something of a find” for the film due to his resemblance to actor Jordan Routledge who played the role of Sajid in the original film. Of his performance, Belfast Telegraph wrote that Khan “has revealed he already had a strong connection to the character of Sajid Khan before he was cast in the sequel to hit comedy East Is East,” RTÉ wrote “Newcomer Aqib Khan is superb as the cheeky, angst-ridden teen, and his change of heart plays out convincingly”, The Scotsman wrote “as Sajid, young Aqib Khan has enough natural charm and confidence to make him an endearing scene-stealer.” and National Post wote “newbie Aqib Khan fits perfectly.”