Imran Khan beyond acting: How the ‘Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na’ star has always supported social causes

For Imran Khan, being a hero has always extended beyond the screen. The actor made his adult acting debut by showing a softer side to masculinity with Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na and has since then become popular as the boy-next-door in romantic comedies. His natural tint of vulnerability lent a refreshing quality to his performances in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu. The same vulnerability took shape of an empathetic core in real life too.

Imran is currently in the news for his participation in the Anti-CEC protest in Mumbai on October 10, called in by social activist Tushar Gandhi to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Imran showed up for the protest wearing a white shirt and was detained by Mumbai police. “Apparently, I am going for a drive,” Imran had written in the caption while sharing a photo from the police van. As the post went viral, it brought back memories of Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na for many online.In the film, Imran plays the protagonist, Jay Singh Rathore (played by Imran), who talks casually about how a true Rathore is supposed to go to jail at least once in his life.

This is not the first time Imran has raised his voice on social causes. The actor has been actively challenging authority and advocating for justice ever since he made his film debut. In 2011, Imran filed a public-interest litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court challenging the state’s decision to raise the legal drinking age from 21 to 25 years. Explaining the motive behind the PIL, the actor had told media then that it was not about drinking alcohol. “Alcohol is dangerous; it damages careers. I have seen it in my personal life. But it must be your decision and choice. If we live in a democracy we must stand and speak up. This decision is not in the interest of democracy,” he had opined.

In similar vein, the actor had also refused to endorse liquor brands. Speaking to Mid-day in 2011 in the backdrop of his PIL, Imran had said, “I never want to endorse any liquor brand. This is a decision I had taken years ago. I have been getting a lot of offers, but I always say no. I believe one should only endorse what one believes in.”

Imran’s association with the animal rights group PETA India in 2010-11 for multiple campaigns revealed his sensitive persona. He urged people to adopt animals rather than purchasing from breeders or pet shops. In an interview around that time, Imran spoke about his love for animals and his plans to build a shelter for them on the outskirts of Mumbai. The actor had rescued and adopted a dog, Tony, abandoned by its previous owner. “I care a lot about animals. If I see an injured animal, a sick animal and, essentially, an animal I feel I could help in some way, I do that”, he had told PETA India in 2011.

Imran has also participated in events organised by Mijwan Welfare Society, a social welfare organisation founded by Kaifi Azmi to empower rural girls and women. In 2012, Imran, along with other film celebrities, walked the ramp for a fundraiser fashion show organised by the NGO.

His steely ideals were further reflected in his participation in the 200th-anniversary celebration of the play The Vagina Monologues in Mumbai in 2009. An episodic piece written by V (Eve Ensler), the play explores different aspects of being a woman from a deeply personal and experiential gaze. Imran joined the play’s reading in India, as he narrated the piece, ‘My Short Skirt ’, to a wide audience. The play was part of a special charity event which was aimed at raising awareness and funds to support survivors of violence.

Imran’s social sensibilities were apparent in his directorial debut, the 2018 short film Mission Mars: Keep Walking India. With strong storytelling, the film recounts the efforts of scientists and engineers who pulled off an impossible mission of placing a craft in orbit around Mars in 2014. The 23-minute short is a glimpse into his filmmaking capabilities as he explores the historic mission with a touch of curiosity and charm.

That way, Imran’s recent involvement with the youth protests is just an extension of everything he has supported before. He has been in the limelight this year after a long hiatus from acting and films. Even his sparkling cameo in Vir Das’ absurdist comedy, Happy Patel, became a talking point. Imran Khan still knows how to command the screen. Off it, the boy-next-door seems just as certain of his role in the larger scheme.