Imran Khan thinks stardom is a 'ridiculous ephemeral thing'
What's the story
Imran Khan, celebrated for his performances in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008) and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011), has recently re-emerged in the media after a nearly 10-year absence from the public sphere. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, he talked about his experiences with fame, stardom, his decision to step away from showbiz, and his rumored relationship with Lekha Washington.
Unexpected attention
On his disappearance and people's curiosity for him
Khan expressed astonishment at the sustained interest from fans and brands, despite his deliberate attempts to stay out of sight. He stated, "After spending 10 years trying to be invisible, for people to have that curiosity is somewhat counterintuitive." "Almost all brands have approached me in the last year for endorsements. I turned down everyone. I don't want people to say 'he's back for the money."
Personal journey
Khan's transition from stardom to invisibility
Khan described his shift from acting to seeking anonymity as a realization that his engagements were not making him happy. "The more of what I was engaging in... all of the things which one is told that if you do, you will have a successful career, your value will grow, you will be happy. I realized that they were not tied in for me." "I've never had any interest or value for [stardom]. It is such a ridiculous ephemeral thing."
Industry insights
Views on industry competition and box office success
Khan shared his perspective on competition within the film industry and the concept of box office success. He stated that he never considered competition and questioned how one could measure it and added that he doesn't his unsuccessful films as "regrets." "I would try to choose things that resonated with me somewhere. I loved Break Ke Baad." Khan quit showbiz after Katti Batti but is reportedly gearing up for a comeback.
Mental health
He opened up on his mental health and therapy
Khan also revealed that he was approached to star alongside Anil Kapoor in the Netflix film Thar, but pulled back, and was also dealing with depression around the same time. "I guess around late 2016 I started to really get it. I was like, you know what, I'm not feeling okay. So it was that kind of a gradual realization." "I was a very fearful person, I was very anxious." He is now in therapy.
Relationship
On his relationship with Washington
Speaking about his romance rumors with Washington, he said, "Lekha has been a tremendously positive and healthy influence in my life as a person, she is caring, supportive, loving to a fault." "She has been very helpful. As I've grappled with depression and rebuilding myself, the kind of nurturing and support that I've gotten from her, I don't know that I would have been able to to make this journey without her."