The anticipated return of actor Imran Khan to the cinematic forefront has caused quite a stir amongst fans eager to relive the charm of his acclaimed performances in movies like ‘Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na’, ‘I Hate Luv Storys’, and ‘Delhi Belly’. Khan, who had stormed the industry with his debut as ‘Jai’ in ‘Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na’, quickly drew comparisons to his contemporary, Ranbir Kapoor, and was hailed as Bollywood’s burgeoning superstar. Nevertheless, a downturn in his acting career led him to withdraw from the limelight when his movie ‘Katti Batti’ failed to impress at the box office in 2016.
Evidently embracing a modern engagement strategy, Imran Khan left the decision of his much-speculated comeback in the hands of social media. To his delight, netizens rallied to the cause, eagerly advocating for his return. Despite the clamor, Khan has not yet disclosed any plans for his return to the silver screen. Meanwhile, he maintains ties with his fanbase through carefully curated social media interactions and select interviews. In a revelation that surprised many, he admitted to abstaining from popular apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. He clarified in an exclusive chat with Film Companion that his Instagram activity is confined to desktop usage, focusing solely on posting content rather than endless scrolling, and he notably follows no one on the platform.
In the same comprehensive dialogue, when pressed about the circulating whispers that he had leased filmmaker Karan Johar’s luxurious Mumbai apartment for a sum of Rs 9 lakhs monthly, reports which further suggested he’d be cohabiting with his girlfriend, artist Lekha Washington, Khan responded with laughter. He outright dismissed these speculations as unfounded rumors devoid of truth.
Delving deeper into personal territory, Khan disclosed the rationale behind his departure from his late grandfather Nasir Hussain’s stately Bandra bungalow, a move that transpired five years prior following his separation. Embarking on a new chapter, Khan sought to curate his living space with essentials: a television, a sofa, and modest kitchenware that included just three plates. This minimalist approach, he conveyed, was fueled by a desire to detach from the materialistic inclinations that one is conditioned to pursue, and instead, to discover what genuinely brought him joy. Over these past few years, he found solace in the simplicity of his existence, relishing the autonomy of managing his own household affairs, cleaning, and even the routine task of making his bed. Khan elaborated on his pursuit of self-sustenance which included personal grooming habits like cutting his own hair, actions he half-jokingly termed ‘borderline pathological’.
Khan’s foray into self-sufficiency extended to his dietary habits, as he revealed his routine of preparing his own breakfast, while lunch and dinner were cordially provided from his mother’s kitchen. These tweaks to his lifestyle not only reflect a philosophical shift but stand as a testament to his evolving persona off the silver screen.
While his fans eagerly await confirmation of his cinematic resurgence, Khan’s interviews and social media presence paint the picture of a man who has achieved a level of personal contentment, having boldly eschewed the trappings that often characterize the lives of public figures. With this newfound perspective, it remains to be seen how Imran Khan will chart his path forward in the entertainment industry. However, one thing is certain: as he embraces this minimalist lifestyle, his next steps, professional or not, will be taken on his own terms.
