Actress Payal Rohatgi has criticised actor Imran Khan over his participation in a protest in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In an interview with IANS, Rohatgi questioned the actor’s decision to join the demonstration and described actors who attend such protests as “jobless”.
Imran Khan reportedly participated in the protest at August Kranti Maidan on October 10, 2026. Police detained him in connection with the demonstration, according to the reports cited in the original account. The protest called for the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.
What Payal Rohatgi Said About Imran Khan
Speaking to IANS, Rohatgi questioned Khan’s decision to participate in the protest, referring to his reported US citizenship and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status.
“Well, 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 – first, you are a US citizen, on top of that, you are living in India, working here, you got married, but I think you didn’t take a visa, or I don’t know, he’s divorced or something like that,” she said.
Rohatgi also suggested that some actors attend demonstrations to gain public attention and media visibility.
“So why are you going to a protest site? A lot of out-of-work actors, jobless actors go to these protests so that they can get visibility, because there all of you are present, right? Because the protest needs to be covered, so a lot of jobless actors go there,” she added.
Her remarks centred on her objections to Khan’s participation and her view that some celebrities use protests to attract attention.
Imran Khan’s Reported Immigration Notice
The controversy comes amid reports that the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) directed Imran Khan to leave India by October 28, 2026, following his participation in the protest.
According to the reports cited in the original account, the authorities alleged that his participation violated provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act. The action was reportedly linked to his status as a US citizen holding an OCI card.
An OCI card does not confer Indian citizenship. However, the precise legal restrictions applicable to a particular OCI cardholder and the circumstances of any alleged violation depend on the relevant law and official order.
Reports also stated that Khan was considering approaching the Bombay High Court to challenge the FRRO notice. Any legal challenge and its outcome should be confirmed through reliable, up-to-date reporting or court records.
What Happened at August Kranti Maidan?
The demonstration at August Kranti Maidan on October 10 called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign. Imran Khan was reportedly detained by police in connection with the protest.
The reported FRRO action has brought additional attention to the actor’s participation, while Rohatgi’s comments have added a celebrity dispute to the wider controversy.
The allegations concerning Khan’s immigration status and participation in the demonstration should be distinguished from Rohatgi’s personal opinions. The status of any legal challenge, as well as the exact grounds and terms of the FRRO order, should be verified against official records before publication.
