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

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A photo posted by Imran Khan on social media after being detained by Mumbai police | Photo Credit: @imrankhan/Instagram

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.

Actor Imran Khan being taken away by the police during the Anti CEC protest at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

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.