Indian American actor Imran Khan and his girlfriend, actor Lekha Washington, were among more than 400 people detained by police in Mumbai, India on October 10 during protests linked to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and its demands for action against India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The detentions took place at August Kranti Maidan and other locations across the city as police moved to prevent unauthorized gatherings.
Before being detained, Khan said he had joined the demonstration as a citizen and wanted to understand why authorities were restricting people’s movement and voices.
“I don’t have demands. I am here as a citizen, as someone who lives in this city. I am here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted, why people’s voices are being suppressed. That is why I am here. I am not in a position to make demands of anyone. Nor am I part of any organisation. I am just here as a representative…” he told ANI.
Zayn Marie, who was detained alongside her cousin Khan, later shared a video from inside a police van. Her caption read, “Ranjhore Ka Rathod???’ sooo close,” referencing Khan’s character, Jay Singh Rathore, in his 2008 Bollywood debut Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na. The film features a memorable jail sequence involving his character.
Even Khan posted on Instagram that “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”
The CJP’s protest is linked to allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes involving Form 6, which is used to register new voters. The party also called for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over its concerns about the election process.
Imran Khan’s Indian American background
Khan was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and holds U.S. citizenship by birth. Although his acting career has been based largely in India’s Hindi-language film industry, his American background connects him to audiences in both countries.
He comes from a family with deep roots in Indian cinema. He is the grandson of filmmaker Nasir Hussain and the nephew of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. He spent parts of his childhood in Mumbai and Coonoor before moving to California for high school and college.
Khan became widely known following his lead role in Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, directed by Abbas Tyrewala and produced by Aamir Khan. The romantic comedy, which also starred Genelia D’Souza, became a popular coming-of-age film and established him as a familiar face among younger audiences.
He went on to appear in films including Kidnap, Luck, I Hate Luv Storys, Break Ke Baad, Delhi Belly and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. His performances in romantic comedies helped establish his career in Bollywood during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
The Indian American actor’s last major film appearances included Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara! and Katti Batti, after which he took a break from acting. In recent years, he has drawn renewed attention as speculation about his return to the big screen and upcoming projects has grown.