Mumbai: Filmmaker Kiran Rao, former wife of actor Aamir Khan, has voiced support for actor Imran Khan after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) reportedly directed him to leave India by October 28. Expressing disbelief over the notice, Rao highlighted the actor’s longstanding connection with the country, saying he had spent 40 of his 43 years in India.
The development has triggered reactions from members of the film industry, with actress Saba Azad also criticising the reported action.
On Thursday, Rao responded to a social media post about the notice, writing, “Wow, now Mumbai Police is also here.” Emphasising Imran’s deep roots in India, she said, “He is 43 years old. He has spent 40 of those years in India. He studied here, worked here, found success here, faced failure here, loved here and struggled here.”
Azad also reacted to the news, expressing disbelief and calling the development “nonsense.”
Why Was Imran Khan Detained?
The controversy began on October 10, when Imran Khan, nephew of Aamir Khan, participated in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan. Organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), the demonstration raised concerns related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Imran and his partner, actress Lekha Washington, were among those detained by Mumbai Police during the protest.
Following the incident, Imran shared a photograph on social media showing himself inside a police van. He captioned the picture, “Looks like I’m going for a drive.”
Speaking to the media at the protest, the actor clarified that he had not attended as a representative of any political organisation. Instead, he said he was participating as a resident of Mumbai and as a citizen concerned about restrictions on people’s freedom.
“I have no demands. I am here as a citizen, as someone who lives in this city. I have come here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted and why people’s voices are being suppressed,” he said.
FRRO Issues Notice Citing Alleged Violation of Immigration Law
On October 15, the FRRO reportedly issued a notice directing Imran Khan to leave India by October 28. The notice cited an alleged violation of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
A Mumbai Police official confirmed that the actor had been served the notice. Imran, who reportedly resides in Mumbai’s Khar area, holds a US passport and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
The action followed a complaint by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya. He alleged that Imran had violated the conditions associated with his OCI status by participating in the protest demanding the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation.
Somaiya had sought action against the actor, including his arrest and deportation, arguing that his participation in the demonstration warranted intervention by the authorities.
The notice has since drawn attention to the rules governing OCI cardholders and their participation in political activities and protests.
Imran Khan Plans to Challenge Notice in Bombay High Court
Imran’s lawyer, Zulfiqar Memon, has confirmed that the actor intends to challenge the FRRO notice in the Bombay High Court.
According to reports, his legal team is preparing a petition that is expected to be filed either on Friday or the following Monday.
The actor’s lawyers have reportedly described the direction to leave India as harsh. They are expected to argue that there is no specific provision prohibiting OCI cardholders from participating in protests of this nature.
The proposed legal challenge will seek to contest the notice requiring Imran to leave the country by October 28.
The matter is now likely to be examined through legal proceedings, with the actor’s team seeking relief from the directive.
Debate Over Imran’s Long Association With India
Kiran Rao’s remarks have brought renewed attention to Imran Khan’s personal and professional ties to India. Although he holds a US passport and an OCI card, he has spent most of his life in the country, where he studied and built his acting career.
Her comments, along with Azad’s reaction, reflect the concern expressed by some members of the film fraternity over the reported order.
The central issue is now expected to be whether the FRRO notice can withstand legal scrutiny and how the applicable rules governing OCI cardholders apply to Imran’s participation in the October 10 protest.
