Do you remember the Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na actor with those chocolate boy looks that instantly stole our hearts? Well yes, we’re talking about Imran Khan. He became an overnight sensation after his remarkable debut with the film in 2008. However, it’s been over five years since we saw the actor on the silver screen. His last movie, called Katti Batti alongside Kangana Ranaut, failed to perform at the Box Office. Ever since then he has been off the radar as far as acting is concerned. While his fans were left wondering about his plans, it looks like he has bid goodbye to his acting career. Yes, you read that right!
Actor Akshay Oberoi, who is Imran’s friend of 18 years, recently revealed that the Delhi Belly actor has, in fact, quit acting. Talking to a media portal, Akshay said that he sees a better director/writer in him. “My best friend in Bollywood is Imran Khan, who is no longer an actor because he has quit acting. Me and Imran have been with each other for almost 18 years. We studied acting together at Kishore Acting School. Imran Khan has left acting at the moment. As far as I know, there is a better writer and director inside Imran. I don’t know when he will direct his film himself. I am not going to put any pressure, but as a friend, I think he will direct his film soon. Also, when Imran directs, I know he will make a wonderful film because his sensibility and understanding of cinema is very high,” said Akshay, who is known for films like Gurgaon and Kaalakaandi.
While his fans might be upset, we bet they’re excited and looking forward to his directorial venture. For those who don’t know, Imran has already made his debut as a director with a short film based on India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, titled Mission Mars: Keep Walking India. It was released digitally in September 2018.
Back then, Imran, too, spoke about his transition from an actor to a director and said that he’s more excited to be off camera than on it. “I’m not particularly excited by acting. I’m more thrilled to be in the driver’s seat where I can decide what is happening on set. I want to direct more but what will be the next thing is something that I don’t know myself,” he added.
After Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, the actor went on to do films like I Hate Luv Storys, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu and Delhi Belly. However, his releases after that including Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, Gori Tere Pyar Mein and Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara! couldn’t impress the audience.
As his professional life started to go downhill, tremors were also felt in his personal life. Imran got married to his longtime girlfriend Avantika Malik in 2011 and their marriage hit a rough patch in 2018, which reportedly led Avantika to move out of Imran’s house with their daughter Imara. Neither of them has commented on their relationship status so far, however, Avantika’s mother has rubbished the reports of divorce. She said, “We all read the news and let me tell you that there’s no such thing. There are some differences, which will be sorted anyway.”
Coming back to Imran’s acting career, all we can say is never say never!
Featured Image: Instagram/Akshay Oberoi/Imran Khan
