Who Is Imran Khan? Aamir Khan’s Nephew Asked to Leave India by Oct. 28 After Mumbai Protest
Mumbai Police have asked Bollywood actor Imran Khan, a nephew of superstar Aamir Khan, to leave India by Oct. 28, officials said on Oct. 15. The notice alleges that Khan, a US citizen, violated foreigners’ law by joining an Oct. 10 protest in Mumbai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Khan, best known for the 2008 romantic comedy “Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na,” holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card rather than Indian citizenship, according to NDTV. The notice followed a complaint by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kirit Somaiya.
Who Is Imran Khan?
Khan, 43, was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and is an American citizen by birth, according to his Wikipedia and Moviebuff profiles. He is the grandson of director-producer Nasir Hussain and the nephew of Aamir Khan and director Mansoor Khan, the profiles say.
He appeared as a child actor in “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” (1988) and “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” (1992). His adult debut came in 2008 with “Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na,” which Aamir Khan produced and which earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
Moviebuff says he was later called a “one film wonder” after his next two films failed. He then starred in commercial hits including “I Hate Luv Storys” (2010) and “Delhi Belly” (2011). The same profile says he has also written newspaper columns and supported animal rights group PETA.
Notice Follows Complaint by BJP Leader
Somaiya approached Gamdevi police station on Monday, seeking action against Khan for taking part in the protest as a foreign citizen, The Times of India reported. He alleged an “illegal political agitation” and breaches of OCI rules and visa conditions, according to NDTV.
“Khan is a foreign citizen and the police will call him for an inquiry,” Somaiya said, according to The Times of India. Police forwarded the complaint to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), saying the OCI issue fell under the competent authority.
A police official said foreign nationals are “prohibited from participating in political protests or political activities on Indian soil,” The Times of India reported. The official spoke on condition of anonymity.
Khan Was Detained at August Kranti Maidan
The protest took place at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, where demonstrators demanded Kumar’s resignation. NDTV reported that it was called by the satirical political group Cockroach Janta Party and that police detained about 400 people.
Khan was held with his partner, actor Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayne Marie Khan, and all three were released later, NDTV reported. He said he was driven around in a police van for about two hours.
“I am here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city,” Khan told reporters, according to NDTV. Mumbai Police have said the protest did not have permission, Gulf News reported.
OCI Status Sits at the Center of the Dispute
OCI cardholders are foreign nationals of Indian origin who receive a lifelong visa, Gulf News reported. The status does not make them citizens, and they cannot vote or contest elections.
Gulf News reported that OCI rules do not explicitly require cardholders to seek permission before attending a public protest. It added that Article 19 free speech and assembly guarantees apply only to citizens.
NDTV reported that the notice was issued under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
Legal Questions Remain Before the Deadline
A complaint or alleged visa violation does not by itself prove an offense, Gulf News noted. Whether joining the protest breaches the law is a question the notice raises but does not settle.
Khan’s response to the notice was not immediately available. Somaiya was scheduled to meet Union Home Ministry officials in Delhi, as per the reports.
