Imran Khan (pronounced [ɪmraːn ˈxaːn]; born Imran Pal 13 January 1983) is an Indian-American film actor who appears in Hindi-language films. He is the nephew of actor Aamir Khan and director-producer Mansoor Khan, and the grandson of director-producer Nasir Hussain. He appeared as a child actor in the films Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992).
Khan made his adult acting debut in 2008 with the romantic comedy Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, which was a critical and commercial success. His performance in the film won him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
After the failure of his next two films, Khan was written off by the
media, calling him a "one film wonder". He then starred in a number of
commercially successful films like I Hate Luv Storys (2010), Delhi Belly (2011), Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011) and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012).
Khan is regarded as one of the most popular, good-looking and stylish
celebrities in India. He is a social activist, and has written columns
for The Hindustan Times. He is a supporter of PETA, having appeared in events organised for the group. He married Avantika Malik in January 2011, after a ten-year relationship.
Early life and background
Imran Khan was born Imran Pal[1] on 13 January 1983 in Madison, Wisconsin, United States to Anil Pal (a software engineer)[2] and Nuzhat Khan (a psychologist).[3] Khan is of Hindu Bengali descent on his father's side, and on his mother's side he is a Muslim.[2][3]
Khan and his mother moved to Mumbai, India after his parents divorced.[4] He appeared in the films Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992) as a child artist, both times playing the role of a young Aamir Khan.[5][6] He studied at Bombay Scottish School, where he developed a stammer due to corporal punishments such as caning.[7]
According to Khan, his grades fell and his academic career went into a
"strong decline" due to his inability to cope with his environment; he
became nervous and developed facial tics.[7] As a result, his parents transferred him to Blue Mountain School (a boarding school) in Coonoor.[8][9]
Khan described his experience there as "phenomenal"; when the principal
left to start his own school, he and several other students followed
him to a Gurukul in the jungles of Ooty,[8] with no electricity where the students washed their clothes in a creek and grew some of the food they ate.[8] Khan later admitted that frequently changing schools made him independent but also a loner.[4]
Khan then moved to Sunnyvale, California, where he lived with his father and attended Fremont High School.[10] Upon graduation he aspired to become a film director, and went to Los Angeles to pursue a degree in filmmaking at the Los Angeles branch of the New York Film Academy.[10][11] Studying direction, writing and cinematography, Khan was inspired by writer Roald Dahl.[4][12] After receiving his degree, he ventured into market research and advertising.[4] He eventually returned to Mumbai and trained to become an actor at Kishore Namit Kapoor's acting institute.[3]
Acting career
2008–10: Debut and breakthrough
While training at the acting institute, Khan began networking and met writer-director Abbas Tyrewala, who offered him the lead role in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008).[12]
After producer Jhamu Sugandh experienced financial difficulties they
offered the script to Aamir Khan, who agreed to finance the film.[5][13] The romantic comedy received positive reviews and was a commercial success,[14] earning 
830 million (US$15 million) worldwide.[15] Khan's portrayal of Jai Singh Rathore (Rats)—a boy who does not believe in violence—was praised by critics. Khalid Mohammed mentioned that "the enterprise belongs to debutant Imran Khan who comes up with an intelligent and restrained performance."[16] Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN
called him "the best young actor" of the time, calling his performance
as "unconventional and vulnerable" and stating that it created "a
lasting impression."[17] Khan won the Best Male Debut at the 54th Filmfare Awards, sharing the award with Farhan Akhtar.[18]
830 million (US$15 million) worldwide.[15] Khan's portrayal of Jai Singh Rathore (Rats)—a boy who does not believe in violence—was praised by critics. Khalid Mohammed mentioned that "the enterprise belongs to debutant Imran Khan who comes up with an intelligent and restrained performance."[16] Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN
called him "the best young actor" of the time, calling his performance
as "unconventional and vulnerable" and stating that it created "a
lasting impression."[17] Khan won the Best Male Debut at the 54th Filmfare Awards, sharing the award with Farhan Akhtar.[18]
Following Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Khan starred in Sanjay Gadhvi's thriller Kidnap. He was cast as Kabir Sharma, a kidnapper who abducts a girl to settle an old score with her father, portrayed by Minissha Lamba and Sanjay Dutt,
respectively. The actor was initially hesitant to play the part
(calling it "tricky and tough") because he couldn't relate to the
character; according to him, he would not have been able to do it
without Gadhvi's support and backing.[19] In preparation for his role, Khan listened to metal and rock music for a year in order to become aggressive.[19] While the film was a critical failure, his performance was generally well received by critics. Gaurav Malani, in a review for The Economic Times,
wrote: "Imran Khan is effective as the intelligent abductor who's
always two steps ahead of his opponent. However, the natural actor could
go easy on his lip movements that appear synthetic at times."[20][21] Kidnap was also a commercial failure, despite a strong opening at the box office.[22]
In 2009, Khan featured alongside an ensemble cast including Dutt, Shruti Hassan, Mithun Chakraborty and Danny Denzongpa in Soham Shah's action thriller Luck, playing Ram Mehra—an average middle-class man in dire need of money and ready to do anything for it.[23] In an interview he said that the stunts (and the "unusual" concept of human betting) inspired him to sign the film.[24] He burnt his eyelashes while shooting for the climax scene.[24] The film was a commercial failure[25] and generated negative reviews from critics, as did Khan's performance. Rediff.com's Raja Sen stated that the performance lacked the charm of his earlier performances.[26]
After the failure of Kidnap and Luck, Khan received less film offers, until Karan Johar approached him for the lead role in I Hate Luv Storys (2010).[27] Directed by Punit Malhotra, the romantic comedy saw him portray Jai Dhingra, a young Casanova who does not believe in the concept of love and romance. The film garnered mixed reviews from critics;[28] Khan's performance was generally well received. Komal Nahta
wrote, "Imran Khan is endearing and does well for a good part of the
film. But he does need to improve in emotional scenes. [He] is is free
and lovable in the light scenes.[29][30][31] I Hate Luv Storys was a domestic and international box-office success, earning over 730 million (US$13 million).[15][32] Khan expressed his gratitude that Johar gave him the opportunity.[27] His next appearance was in Danish Aslam's coming-of-age romantic comedy Break Ke Baad. A commercial failure,[33] the film (and his performance) received mixed reviews;[34] while Namrata Joshi of Outlook labelled his performance "earnest",[35] Anupama Chopra said that "Imran is saddled with a bland, supporting role".[36]
730 million (US$13 million).[15][32] Khan expressed his gratitude that Johar gave him the opportunity.[27] His next appearance was in Danish Aslam's coming-of-age romantic comedy Break Ke Baad. A commercial failure,[33] the film (and his performance) received mixed reviews;[34] while Namrata Joshi of Outlook labelled his performance "earnest",[35] Anupama Chopra said that "Imran is saddled with a bland, supporting role".[36]2011–present: Commercial success
In 2011, Khan earned positive reviews for his role in Abhinay Deo's English language[37] black comedy Delhi Belly. He was cast as Tashi, a journalist caught up in a hunt for diamonds—smuggled for a crime boss in Delhi—he and his roommates (Kunaal Roy Kapur and Vir Das) have mistakenly taken. The film opened to critical acclaim and was a commercial success, with a worldwide revenue of over 920 million (US$17 million).[38] A review in Mid Day described his performance as "refreshingly good"[39] and Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India called it his best work to date.[40]
Khan said about the film, "It is the kind of film that I have always
wanted to do, and it is very different to what has been done before in
Hindi cinema."[41]
920 million (US$17 million).[38] A review in Mid Day described his performance as "refreshingly good"[39] and Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India called it his best work to date.[40]
Khan said about the film, "It is the kind of film that I have always
wanted to do, and it is very different to what has been done before in
Hindi cinema."[41]
Later that year, Khan acted in Ali Abbas Zafar's romantic comedy Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. The film received mixed reviews, but was a domestic and international box-office success (with a worldwide gross of 940 million (US$17 million)).[38][42] Khan played Kush Agnihotri, a man who falls in love with his brother's bride, played by Ali Zafar and Katrina Kaif, respectively. His performance was praised by critics; Sify's Sonia Chopra referred to him as "instantly likeable".[43][44]
940 million (US$17 million)).[38][42] Khan played Kush Agnihotri, a man who falls in love with his brother's bride, played by Ali Zafar and Katrina Kaif, respectively. His performance was praised by critics; Sify's Sonia Chopra referred to him as "instantly likeable".[43][44]
For his next feature film, Khan starred as Rahul Kapoor, an uptight architect, in Shakun Batra's directorial debut Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012) with Kareena Kapoor. The romantic comedy, set in Las Vegas,
is the story of two strangers who get married one night after they get
drunk. Khan described his character as "a guy who lives his life
according to his parents' wishes."[45]
The film (and his performance) received positive reviews from critics,
with Rajeev Masand writing that "Imran Khan slips comfortably into his
role".[46] Karan Anshuman of Mumbai Mirror
opined, "Imran Khan is superbly cast and he doesn't let down. His body
language slackens in progression as the script demands and he is
absolutely spot on with his comic timing."[47][48] Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu was a modest commercial success, earning a total of 530 million (US$9.7 million) in India and abroad.[49]
530 million (US$9.7 million) in India and abroad.[49]
The following year, Khan appeared in Vishal Bhardwaj's Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, a political satire set in the rustic surroundings of a village in Haryana. Co-starring with Pankaj Kapur, Anushka Sharma and Shabana Azmi,
Khan played Hukum Singh Matru, an educated community activist, and
Kapur's right-hand man. To prepare for the role, he lived in Delhi for three months and learned to speak Haryanvi from theatre group Act One.[50][51] The film (and his performance) generated mixed reviews from critics and its eventual box-office profit was poor.[52][53] Reuters'
Shilpa Jamkhandikar wrote, "Imran Khan goes red in the face trying to
muster up a Haryanvi accent and act tough. You can actually see the
effort in his acting and that's why it jars all the more."[54] Subhash K Jha described it as a good effort, at best.[55] Khan also sang for the film's soundtrack in "Chaar Dina Ki".[56]
As of April 2013, Khan is due to appear in Milan Luthria's action drama film Once Upon a Time Again (a sequel to the 2010 film Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai) with Akshay Kumar, Sonali Bendre and Sonakshi Sinha for which he took a whopping 11 crores, quite an accomplishment for a barely 5 year old in industry[57] ; in Punit Malhotra's romantic comedy Gori Tere Pyaar Mein with Kareena Kapoor, and in Tigmanshu Dhulia's romance Milan Talkies with Priyanka Chopra.[58][59][60]
Other ventures
Social activism
Besides acting in films, Khan is a social activist. He often speaks
about issues related to Indian society and young people (including the
elimination of violence against women, political awareness and sex
education).[61][62] In 2009, he participated in Eve Ensler's play The Vagina Monologues in celebration of completing 200 shows in India and V-Day.
The event was a fundraiser whose beneficiaries included Haseena Hussein
(a girl who was blinded and disfigured in an acid attack in Bangalore
in 1999), and several other NGOs.[63][64] Khan endorses People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and has appeared in a number of advertisements
in support of the organisation. In 2010 he appeared with his dog, Tony,
urging viewers to adopt stray dogs instead of buying purebred animals.[65]
Khan filmed a second advertisement in 2011, titled "Tony Changed My
Life. You Can Change a Homeless Dog's Life. Please Adopt", after Tony's
death in which he continued to advocate for the adoption of animals and
not treating them as fashion statements.[66]
In 2011, Khan and his brother-in-law, Vedant Malik, opposed the Maharashtra state government's new law raising the drinking age to 25 by filing a public-interest litigation (PIL) against it.[67] In an interview given to The Times of India
he said; "It's completely unfair to expect that one has to wait till 25
years to exercise his freedom of choice regarding one's lifestyle.
Young India is not as irresponsible as the older establishment assumes
it to be."[68] He walked the ramp to support Shabana Azmi's charitable initiative, Mijwan Welfare Society, an NGO dedicated to empowering girls.[69] He said that he feels privileged to have been brought up in a family surrounded by strong women.[70]
In 2013, Khan along with his wife Avantika Malik and mother Nuzhat
Khan, purchased a four-acre land which will be converted into an animal
shelter with veterinary doctors and staff who will attend to the rescued
animals until they are adopted.[71][72]
Commentary and endorsements
Khan became a columnist for The Hindustan Times
in March 2009. In his first column he wrote "I like the idea of being
able to connect with people one to one, and generally having a space to
talk about whatever’s going on in my head that week",[73] and continues contributing occasionally to the paper.[74] According to Khan, promoting alcohol and tobacco products is not right; he has refused all such offers,[75] saying that he only represents brands he can relate to.[76] He has endorsed several products (including Coca-Cola, Levis, MTS India, Maaza and Bru), having appeared in television and print advertisements.[77][78][79][80][81]
Personal life
Khan's parents divorced when he was a year and a half old.[4] His mother then married actor Raj Zutshi; they divorced in 2006.[82] Khan says that they remained cordial and that he felt supported by all three of his parents.[83] He retained his mother's second name as a tribute to her because she raised him on her own.[1] The actor lives with his family in Pali Hill, a suburban neighbourhood in Mumbai.[84]
Khan began dating Avantika Malik (daughter of Vandana Malik, CEO of the CNBC-TV18 business news channel),[85]
at age 19 – according to him, when he could not express his thoughts
and feelings. He later attributed his personal growth to his
relationship with Malik: "I have learned a lot about myself and become a
more balanced person."[4] His openness about their relationship at an early stage of his career received much press coverage;[13][86] Sitanshi Talati-Parikh of Verve commented, "he does not see any danger in tagging himself as 'unavailable'".[4] Khan later explained that he did not believe in hiding their relationship;[87] he cited Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan, all of whom married early in their careers and remained popular.[88] The couple were engaged on 16 January 2010, in a farmhouse owned by Avantika's family in Karjat (near Navi Mumbai).[89] They married a year later (on 10 January 2011) in a private civil ceremony at Aamir Khan's home in Pali Hill.[90][91]
Khan's non-controversial lifestyle has generated speculation in the mass media.[92][93] During an interview, he said he does not rely on controversy and rumours to stay in the news.[94] The actor also asserted that he prefers to stay away from the limelight when not promoting his films.[95]
Image and artistry
Khan is considered as one of the most popular, stylish and handsome celebrities in India.[96][97][98] His eyes and lips have been mentioned as his most distinctive physical features.[99] In 2011, Bombay Dost, India's first legal gay magazine, labelled him a "gay icon".[100] The following year he was featured on GQ India's
list of "Bollywood's 11 Best-Dressed Actors", which described his style
sense: "grown and matured into an irresistible combination of
goody-two-shoesness and an urbane sophistication."[96]
In 2013, he ranked fortieth on Forbes' "Celebrity 100", a list based on
the income and popularity of India's biggest entertainers.[101]
Following his successful adult acting debut in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Khan starred in Kidnap and Luck; both were critical and commercial failures, leading to his being written off by the media as a "one-film wonder".[102]
He later starred in a series of romantic comedies, most of which were
commercially successful, but received mixed response from critics.[103]
Writing for CNN-IBN, Rituparna Chatterjee criticized his unwillingness
to "get out of his comfort zone"; she explained, "Imran's unassuming
charm, while it works in films that also have strong women leads, fails
to really create an emotional connect with audiences who go away
thinking 'what a nice boy!'"[104]
After moving from his "lover boy" image in Delhi Belly and Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola,[78] Khan was noted for experimenting with different genres and character types.[105][106] According to Daily Mail's
Priyanka Srivastava, "Imran's image as a simple boy has charmed the
audience [...] and helped him make a place in Bollywood. He has the
ability to underplay characters with confidence and has proved his
versatility."[107] The Hindu's
Vijay Nair, however, labelled him as "unconvincing" and said that he
"[delivers] performances that suffer in comparison to what his co stars
bring to the film."[108]
Khan has been compared to his uncle Aamir Khan, and he describes him as a major influence on his life,[109] by teaching him that a person can learn from their mistakes.[98]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak | Young Raj | Child artist |
| 1992 | Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar | Young Sanjaylal | Child artist |
| 2008 | Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na | Jai Singh Rathore (Rats) | Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut |
| 2008 | Kidnap | Kabir Sharma | |
| 2009 | Luck | Ram Mehra | |
| 2010 | I Hate Luv Storys | Jay Dhingra | |
| 2010 | Jhootha Hi Sahi | Akash (Caller No 1) | Voice-over |
| 2010 | Break Ke Baad | Abhay Gulati | |
| 2011 | Delhi Belly | Tashi Dorjee Lhatoo | First English-language film |
| 2011 | Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Kush Agnihotri | |
| 2012 | Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu | Rahul Kapoor | |
| 2013 | Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola | Hukum Singh Matru | Also playback singer of the song "Chaar Dina Ki" |
| 2013 | Bombay Talkies | Himself | Special appearance in song "Apna Bombay Talkies" |
| 2013 | Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Again | Aslam | Filming |
| 2013 | Gori Tere Pyaar Mein | Filming | |
| 2014 | Milan Talkies | Pre-production |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Filmfare Awards | Best Male Debut | Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na | Won | [18] |
| Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards | Best Male Debut | Won | [110] | ||
| Sabsey Favourite Kaun Awards | Sabsey Naya Hero | Won | [111] | ||
| Screen Awards | Most Promising Newcomer – Male | Nominated | [112] | ||
| Stardust Awards | Superstar of Tomorrow – Male | Nominated | [112] | ||
| The New Menace | Kidnap | Nominated | [112] | ||
| International Indian Film Academy Awards | Best Villain | Nominated | [112] | ||
| Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards | Best Actor in a Negative Role | Nominated | [113] | ||
| AXN Action Awards | Best Actor in a Negative Role | Won | [114] | ||
| 2010 | Stardust Awards | Superstar of Tomorrow – Male | Luck | Nominated | [115] |
| 2011 | Screen Awards | Best Actor (Popular Choice) | I Hate Luv Storys | Nominated | [116] |
| Stardust Awards | Best Actor – Comedy/Romance | Nominated | [117] | ||
| Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Awards | Fun Fearless Actor – Male | Won | [118] | ||
| GQ Men of the Year Awards | Chivas Award for Outstanding Achievement | Won | [119] | ||
| Airtel Super Star Awards | Future Super Star Hero | Nominated | |||
| 2012 | Zee Cine Awards | International Male Icon | Nominated | [120] | |
| Screen Awards | Best Actor (Popular Choice) | Delhi Belly & Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Nominated | [121] | |
| Best Ensemble Cast | Delhi Belly | Nominated | [121] | ||
| People's Choice Awards India | Favorite Youth Icon | Nominated | [122] | ||
| 2012 | Screen Awards | Best Actor (Popular Choice) | Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu | Nominated | [123] |
| Stardust Awards | Best Actor – Comedy/Romance | Nominated | [124] |
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