Actor Imran Khan, known for his roles in films like “Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na” and “Katti Batti,” has been absent from the silver screen since his last released film in 2015. However, he has recently been engaging with his fans on social media and opened up about his mental health journey in a recent interview with Film Companion.
Imran revealed that between 2016 and 2017, he began prioritizing his mental health, realizing that “being an actor is optional, but these things are not optional.” He recalled the stark contrast in attention he received before and after the release of “Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na,” noting that fame was fleeting and often depended on a film’s success. He shared that when a film didn’t perform well, industry individuals who once praised him would suddenly change their tune, commenting, “You are out of season, you are the wrong kind of flavour.”
During his time away from the spotlight, Imran focused on his well-being, admitting that he struggled with severe depression to the extent that even attending his regular therapy appointments became challenging. He expressed that rather than clinging to his fame, he chose to withdraw from the public eye, stating, “I did my best to disappear. I did not engage via those threads.” Despite taking an unconventional approach to maintaining his relevance in the industry, Imran reflected, “I did exactly the opposite of what you are supposed to do to stay relevant. Yet here we are, and here I am.”