Film Industry Reacts To Deportation Notice
Prominent Bollywood voices stepped forward on Thursday to defend actor Imran Khan after immigration authorities ordered him to leave India. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office in Mumbai directed the 43-year-old actor to depart the country by October 28. Officials issued the notice after Khan attended an October 10 demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Although Khan grew up in Mumbai, he holds a United States passport and an Overseas Citizen of India card. Filmmaker Kiran Rao, who was previously married to Khan's uncle Aamir Khan, expressed open disbelief on Instagram. She pointed out that Imran has lived 40 of his 43 years in India. Rao wrote that he studied, worked, succeeded, failed, loved, and built his entire life in the country. Actress and musician Saba Azad also condemned the deportation order in a blunt social media post.
A Search For Friends Rather Than A Rally
According to an Instagram post by Khan's partner, actress Lekha Washington, the actor never intended to lead a political rally. Washington explained that police had detained several of their friends during demonstrations earlier on Saturday, October 10. Around 5:00 pm, Imran, Lekha, actress Zayn Marie, and Imran's mother Nuzhat walked to August Kranti Maidan to locate them. When the small family group arrived at the ground, they found police barricades and a crowd of television journalists. Surrounded by cameras, Imran told reporters he had no political demands and belonged to no organization. He stated he walked over simply as a Mumbai resident concerned about restricted movement and suppressed voices. Before he could finish speaking, police whistles blew and officers moved in to detain the group.
Two Hours Inside A Mumbai Police Van
Washington alleged that officers grabbed her and Zayn Marie roughly, leaving bruises on their arms before loading them into a van. Police drove the group around in heavy Mumbai traffic for two hours before releasing them later that evening. While Lekha shared a relief video once they reached home safely, the subsequent immigration notice has escalated the controversy. Stay informed on the biggest stories and debates across Indian cinema. Read our entertainment coverage every day at The WAU.
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