Bollywood actor Imran Khan, nephew of Aamir Khan, was all set to make his comeback to films after nearly a decade with Netflix's Adhure Hum Adhure Tum. Uon hearing the news of Imran's comeback, his fans were looking forward to behind-the-scenes clips, promotional updates and glimpses from the film's sets.
However, it now seems that the actor's comeback has reportedly hit a roadblock, with promotional activities and the film's release plans said to be on hold after Mumbai Police and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) reportedly issued him a notice directing him to leave India.
Imran's film was scheduled to release on December 18, but now it has been pushed until further notice.
As per a source report in Mid Day, "The plan was to begin promotions after Diwali and build towards the release. Now, however, a deferment is being discussed. Since Netflix hasn't officially announced a release date, postponing it is being considered//"
"The team does not want to begin a campaign without knowing how the situation around Imran will play out," it added.
Why has Imran Khan been asked to leave India?
On October 10, Imran was among the demonstrators detained by Mumbai Police during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The rally was part of a wider campaign raising concerns about alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions and demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.
The protest was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement that has raised allegations concerning voter-list revisions. These remain allegations made by protesters and should be distinguished from the Election Commission's position on the matter.
The notice has raised questions about the rules applicable to foreign nationals and OCI cardholders who participate in political demonstrations in India. The precise legal basis for the notice and the outcome of any proceedings remain important to establishing the circumstances of the case.
Is Imran Khan an Indian citizen?
Imran Khan is an American citizen by birth. He was born on January 13, 1983, in Madison, Wisconsin, in the United States. Although he has Indian ancestry and has spent much of his professional life in the Hindi film industry, he is not an Indian citizen. He holds an Overseas Citizen of India card.
An OCI card is available to eligible people of Indian origin who hold foreign citizenship. It provides certain privileges, including multiple-entry, lifelong visa access to India, subject to applicable rules. However, OCI status does not amount to Indian citizenship.
OCI cardholders also do not have all the rights available to Indian citizens. They cannot vote or contest elections, and their activities in India are subject to specific legal and regulatory conditions. Certain activities may require prior permission under the applicable rules.
This distinction between foreign citizenship and OCI status is central to the questions surrounding Imran's participation in the protest. However, the existence of OCI restrictions does not by itself establish that a particular individual has violated the law; that depends on the applicable provisions and facts of the case.
All you need to know about Imran Khan's family
Imran Khan comes from a family with a long association with Hindi cinema. He is the nephew of actor Aamir Khan and filmmaker Mansoor Khan, and the grandson of filmmaker-producer Nasir Hussain, known for several influential Hindi films.
His mother, Nuzhat Khan, is Nasir Hussain's daughter and Mansoor Khan's sister. His father, Anil Pal, is a software engineer. Imran's parents separated when he was young, and he grew up between India and the United States.
Imran made his acting debut as a leading man in 2008 with Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, directed by Abbas Tyrewala and produced by Aamir Khan. The romantic comedy, in which he starred opposite Genelia D'Souza, became a commercial success and established him as a popular young actor. He also won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
He subsequently appeared in films such as I Hate Luv Storys (2010), Delhi Belly (2011), Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011) and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012). These projects helped establish his screen identity, although several of his later releases struggled commercially.
In 2013, Imran appeared in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, followed by Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara! and Gori Tere Pyaar Mein. His last theatrical release as a lead actor was Katti Batti (2015), opposite Kangana Ranaut.
Imran Khan's personal life
Imran married Avantika Malik in January 2011 after a long relationship. The couple welcomed their daughter, Imara, in June 2014. They began living separately in 2019. In 2024, Imran publicly confirmed his relationship with actress Lekha Washington. The two have spoken about their relationship in interviews. During the protests in Mumbai, his gf was also detained.
