Actor Imran Khan has come under scrutiny following his participation in a political protest in Mumbai, with actress Payal Rohatgi openly criticising his decision. The controversy began after Khan attended a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan on October 10, 2026, where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter list revisions. The matter escalated when authorities subsequently issued Khan a ‘Leave India’ notice.
Payal Rohatgi Questions Imran Khan’s Participation
Reacting to the controversy while speaking to the media in Mumbai, Payal Rohatgi questioned Imran Khan’s involvement in the demonstration, highlighting his US citizenship and arguing that he should have been aware of the restrictions applicable to him.
“He should be aware that he is not supposed to be doing something so stupid. He is not an Indian citizen, he is a US citizen,” Rohatgi said.
She also suggested that some actors attend protests to attract media attention, referring to them as “out of work actors” and “jobless actors”. According to her, the presence of media coverage could be a motivation for celebrities to participate in such demonstrations.
Rohatgi further questioned Khan’s understanding of the issues being raised at the protest, suggesting that he might not even know the full name of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Why Was Imran Khan Detained During the Mumbai Protest?
Imran Khan, 43, who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, was among more than 400 people detained by police during the October 10 demonstration at August Kranti Maidan.
The protest called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged changes to voter lists. Following Khan’s detention, videos of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Khan also shared a photograph from inside a police van, captioning it, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”
Explaining his presence at the demonstration, the actor said he had attended as a citizen to understand why “freedom of movement is being restricted” and why “people’s voices are being suppressed”.
FRRO Issues ‘Leave India’ Notice to Imran Khan
The controversy took a further turn on October 15, 2026, when the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued Khan a ‘Leave India’ notice. The authorities alleged that he had violated the Foreigners Act by participating in a political demonstration.
Before the notice was issued, BJP politician Kirit Somaiya had called for action against the actor, arguing that his participation was contrary to the regulations applicable to OCI cardholders. Foreign citizens holding OCI status are subject to restrictions and do not enjoy all the political rights available to Indian citizens.
Khan has been directed to leave India by October 28, 2026.
Controversy Sparks Debate Over Celebrity Activism
The incident has brought renewed attention to the rules governing political participation by foreign nationals in India. It has also raised questions about the limits of celebrity activism and the rights and restrictions associated with OCI status.
While Payal Rohatgi has criticised Khan’s decision to attend the protest, the action taken by the authorities has placed his participation under official scrutiny. The episode continues to draw attention to the intersection of political demonstrations, freedom of expression and the legal obligations of foreign nationals in India.