Once the face of Bollywood’s contemporary romantic comedies, Imran Khan has since carefully stepped aside from the limelight to concentrate on his own development, emotional health and conscientious fatherhood. Imran discusses life outside of the camera, the quiet fortitude that underlies his decisions and the process of gaining clarity via vulnerability in a rare and refreshingly candid interview.
Imran Khan makes a comeback, not only as an actor but also as a person who is always learning, unlearning and developing. He does this with the charm that previously made him a mainstay of Gen-Z love stories and a changing voice that now advocates for emotional honesty.
“I did distance myself quite a bit,” he said of his changing connection with the film industry. “Sometimes you develop really strong relationships with people you work with; some of these individuals are initially colleagues and although you are cordial with them, you do not become close friends. Many of the directors I worked with became friends with those who were and are still there. Many of my pals in the industry don’t change even if I’m not working on their movie.”
Imran Khan said, “If you’re a creative person—whether an actor, writer, or artist—your best work will never come from playing safe,” in reference to taking creative chances and remaining brave. “It happens when you allow yourself to wander, explore new paths, and risk the possibility of failure. The true magic is choosing to create while not knowing how it will turn out.”
“We’ve been taught that strength means keeping it all in; don’t cry, don’t feel,” he said, highlighting the importance of developing mental resilience and emotional awareness. “However, I’ve discovered that true strength is the capacity to feel intensely, to acknowledge suffering and yet to continue on. I also want to instill in my daughter the idea that emotional bravery is a strength rather than a weakness.”
Speaking candidly about the demands of early fame, Imran described his own experience: “Everyone around me insisted, ‘Now sign more projects, keep the momentum going,’ after my first film came out. However, I had the instinct to take a backseat and write the guide. Back then, I didn’t follow it and I believe I allowed outside influences to overpower my own creative instinct.” Imran also talked candidly about his early days in the business while reflecting on the many comparisons to Ranbir Kapoor, saying, “When I first started in the business, I was always compared to Ranbir. He is pleasant, talented and self-assured, yet I always felt like I was falling behind. I didn’t consider myself a brilliant actor or even a celebrity. I was just a person who felt like I didn’t quite belong and was trying to find my place.”
“My daughter talks to me about the feelings in her heart, often at bedtime, in those quiet, gentle moments,” Imran Khan revealed when discussing his relationship with his daughter. “I cherish that trust and the fact that she feels comfortable enough to confide in me. It serves as a daily reminder of the type of man and father I aspire to be.”
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