Bollywood actor Imran Khan has doubled down on his recent controversial comments about acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, stating he will not let the fear of public backlash silence him from speaking his truth about his experiences in the Hindi film industry.
Standing By The Accusation
In a fresh interview with Hindustan Times on January 7, 2026, the actor, now in his 40s, clarified that he fully stands by his previous statement where he accused Bhardwaj of casting him for 'dishonest reasons' in the 2013 film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. Khan asserted that his intention is not to offend but to share his personal experience and shed light on industry practices.
"I won’t say something that I don’t stand by," Imran Khan told the publication. He emphasized that restricting oneself due to fear of backlash is counterproductive. "To let the fear of backlash restrict you from speaking your truth or anything of interest is no good," he added, critiquing the culture of following a 'prescribed script' for public approval.
The Context of the Casting Controversy
The controversy erupted a few weeks prior when Khan, in a conversation with YouTuber Samdish Bhatia, detailed why he felt his casting in Vishal Bhardwaj's film was insincere. He explained that the role of a Haryanvi villager was an unusual choice for him.
Khan revealed that the project was initially set to star Ajay Devgn, who later exited during the preparatory stages. According to Khan, Bhardwaj then cast him because he was coming off hits like Delhi Belly and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. "He cast me not because I was the perfect actor for the part, but because with me attached, he could get a certain budget to make the film," Khan alleged.
He described the experience as the "loneliest film" he ever made, claiming the director barely communicated with him beyond giving basic instructions, leaving him with a feeling of 'jo karna hai karo' (do whatever you want).
Clarification and Comeback Plans
Following the media storm, Khan took to social media to add nuance to his comments. He expressed respect for Bhardwaj as a "quality filmmaker" committed to original cinema and stated he was proud to be part of a film with an important message like MKBKM. He framed his revelation as an attempt to provide context and discuss how casting and project greenlighting often work in Bollywood.
As he prepares for his acting comeback after more than a decade with the film Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum, co-starring Bhumi Pednekar and Gurfateh Pirzada, Khan is embracing a new, unfiltered approach. He told HT that the new film's story of a divorced man in his 40s resonates with his current life phase.
In a significant shift, Khan also announced he is operating without a PR team or manager by choice. He stated that he wants to find his own work at his own pace, free from the pressures of maintaining a constant public relations strategy, which he believes audiences can now see through.
Additionally, fans will see Imran Khan in a cameo appearance in Aamir Khan's production Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, featuring Vir Das.
