Actor Imran Khan, who has been ordered to leave India by October 28 after participating in a protest in Mumbai, has spoken about his desire to acquire US citizenship and an Indian passport in several interviews over the years.
Imran, who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, was among those detained during a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai on 10 October.
The resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was demanded.
Speaking to the media at the protest site, Imran said that he had joined the protest to question restrictions on people’s freedom of movement and expression.
“I have no demands. I am here as a citizen, as a person living in this city. I am here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted. Why is the voice of the people being suppressed? That is why I am here,” he said.
Following a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRO) issued a notice directing the actor to leave India by October 28. The notice alleged that he violated the rules applicable to foreign nationals by participating in the demonstration.
Imran’s Citizenship status has come up in interviews over the years, most notably when he spoke about his inability to vote in Indian elections and his attempts to obtain an Indian passport.
In a January 2009 interview with The Times of India, the actor talked about being an American citizen and voting in the United States. “Few people know that I’m an American citizen, I even voted for Barack Obama four years ago,” he said.
In a 2011 interview with India Today, Imran spoke about his efforts to obtain Indian citizenship, revealing that the official process was already underway.
“I am trying to get an Indian passport. The official process is on. I hope I will get it soon because some big things are going to happen,” he said.
The actor also spoke about his desire to contribute to India despite not having the right to vote. Explaining how he tried to encourage voter participation, he said, “I consider it my duty to serve my country. I cannot vote here because I am not a citizen but I participate in elections by creating awareness about the importance of voting, because I feel that I am a part of this country.”
Why can’t Imran Khan vote in India?
Born in the United States to actor Aamir Khan’s sister Nuzat Khan and Anil Paul, Imran moved to Mumbai with his mother when he was three years old and grew up in the city.
Despite his Indian roots and long-standing ties to Mumbai, Imran’s OCI status does not make him an Indian citizen. An OCI card allows eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin certain privileges, including lifetime, multiple-entry visas in India. However, it does not grant political rights reserved for Indian citizens, including the right to vote or contest elections.
The actor’s recent involvement in the CJP protests has brought renewed attention to his citizenship status.
Also Read: ‘Surprised by Scrutiny’: When Imran Khan told NDTV why he avoided public events