At one time he was projected as Ranbir Kapoor’s close rival because Imran Khan had a string of successes like I Hate Luv Stories, Delhi Belly and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, to his credit. But in 2013 after three of his films — Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobaara and Gori Tere Pyar Mein — met with disappointing results, the actor decided to take a break. His daughter Imaara was born in June 2014 and the star extended his break into a paternity leave.
Now almost two years after his last film, Imran Khan will have a film releasing in the theatres on September 18 – Katti Batti. Imran says, “I do not regret the time spent away from films; I am glad that I got this break. In the last one-and-half-years, I was with my family because my wife was pregnant and then our baby was born. I was happy being with my family. There is nothing that would make me stay away from my family.”
Though he is immersed in fatherhood, Imran has not lost his edge or drive in his career. He is thrilled about returning to the spotlight. He says, “Katti Batti has made me satisfied, happy and fulfilled. This film is very close to my heart.”
Ask Imran if he expects the film to put his career back on even keel, and he shrugs, “I don’t have any expectations from my film. There is no way to know what will happen. I had one of my best experiences while doing this film. Whatever happens, I will always be proud of this film.”
He is also excited about starring opposite current hot property Kangana Ranaut. “We are doing a film together for the first time. We had done a photo shoot six-seven years ago and we had hit it off very well. We thought of doing a film together but when she was doing a film, I couldn’t do it and vice versa. Though we had misconnections in the past, I am happy I got to do this film with her. Kangana has a very demanding and tricky role, and I feel no other actress could have done justice to this role.”
