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Actor Imran Khan explains why he’s done with Bollywood PR
As he returns with 'Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum', Imran Khan says he wants to find his own work and stay away from Bollywood’s PR culture
Bollywood actor Imran Khan is gearing up for a long-awaited return to acting with Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum, marking his first film in years. It also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Gurfateh Pirzada.
But amidst his acting comeback, Imran Khan has made it clear that he is doing things on his own terms. The actor insists that returning to films does not require an army of publicists or managers.
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“I have worked at a time where I had a PR and a manager,” Imran told Hindustan Times, an Indian media outlet. “Having had a taste of it and knowing what it brings to your world, I now don’t want those things.”
Explaining his reasoning, the actor points out the inherent pressure that comes with industry representation. According to him, a manager’s earnings depend on keeping an actor constantly employed, which can often lead to creative compromises.
“I don’t want a manager who will go out there and look for work for me. The manager’s pay percentage depends on keeping me steadily employed, because of which he may push me to do things I don’t want to,” he explains. “I don’t want them to find work for me, I want to find my work.”
Why Imran Khan is done with the PR game
Imran Khan also spoke candidly about why he has chosen to stay away from the Bollywood PR ecosystem. He believes that aggressive image-building has made audiences increasingly sceptical.
“Engaging in the PR game is a full-time job. It takes hours every day sitting with the PR team, planning strategies and reviewing results,” he says. “Because of how much everyone does it, the public is aware of it.”
According to Imran, today’s audiences often view celebrity appearances and statements through the lens of suspicion. “Now the public looks at everything with speculation — ‘Is this a PR stunt? What’s the angle behind it?’ I’d rather work at my own pace,” he adds.
Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum
Speaking about Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum, Imran Khan describes the film as deeply personal and rooted in where he currently stands in life.
“Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum is a character story approached from where I’m in my life,” he says. “I’m a divorced man in my 40s and a parent. A story with such shades is what makes it interesting to me.”
The film’s themes of emotional complexity and maturity align with Imran’s evolved outlook, making it a fitting project for his return to the screen.
Imran Khan on Vishal Bhardwaj controversy and personal growth
The actor recently made headlines after opening up about his experience working with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj on the 2013 film Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola. Imran alleged that he was cast in the film for dishonest reasons, sparking debate online.
Despite the controversy, Imran Khan says he has no regrets about speaking his truth. “I won’t say something that I don’t stand by,” he said. “To let the fear of backlash restrict you from speaking your truth or anything of interest is no good. At the same time, I don’t think the idea is to offend people. I’m pointing the lens at myself and sharing my experience,” he clarifies.
Reflecting on personal growth, Imran Khan notes how age has brought confidence and self-acceptance. He said, “At 25, I may not have been comfortable admitting I listen to Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys. At 40, I am.”
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