After a fifteen-year hiatus from the silver screen, Bollywood actor Imran Khan is officially making his highly anticipated return to acting. The actor, who stepped away from films after the 2015 release Katti Batti, has confirmed that his comeback project is complete and in the final stages of post-production.
A Personal Project and a 'Natural Progression'
In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, Imran Khan described his decision to return as a 'natural progression'. He is reuniting with director Danish Aslam for this new venture, the same director who helmed his 2010 film, Break Ke Baad. Remarkably, this reunion coincides with the 15th anniversary of their first collaboration.
Imran elaborated that the new film feels like the logical next step for the creative team. 'The movie is just like what the team of Break Ke Baad would be doing 15 years later in life,' he stated. He emphasized how their personal life experiences have shaped this project, noting, 'Danish and I now have collective life experience. He's been married, I've been through a divorce. It's just the film we should make 15 years later.'
He clarified that this is a deeply personal project born from a genuine creative urge to tell a story and work with dear friends. The actor confirmed that the shoot is wrapped up and the team is awaiting a release date from a streaming platform.
The 'Happiest Set' and a Serendipitous Beginning
Imran Khan also shared insights about his co-stars in the upcoming film. He revealed that casting Bhumi Pednekar was a joint creative decision that everyone on the team agreed upon. He praised her contribution, saying she 'brought a good vibe to the set', a sentiment he also extended to his co-star Gurfateh Pirzada. In fact, Imran went so far as to call this project 'the happiest set I've ever been on.'
The interview also included a nostalgic look back at the origins of Break Ke Baad. Imran confessed that he had initially rejected the film after a narration during the shoot of I Hate Luv Storys in 2010. 'He hates narrations and I don't do well listening to narrations so I said 'no thanks' and left,' Imran recalled.
However, fate intervened at a party where the two men met and instantly connected. 'Half way through the conversation I realised it's the same guy whose script I had turned down,' Imran said. Danish Aslam then sent him a draft of the script, which finally clicked with the actor, leading to the film going into production just a couple of months later.
Looking Forward: A Selective Return to Cinema
Imran Khan's departure from acting a decade ago was a conscious decision. He had previously expressed that he no longer felt excited by the roles being offered to him. Now, his perspective has shifted. While he is actively exploring new opportunities in the film industry, he remains committed to being highly selective about the projects he chooses, ensuring they align with his creative vision and personal growth.
This comeback marks a significant new chapter for the actor, one that is deeply rooted in his personal journey and a renewed passion for storytelling.
