Actress Payal Rohatgi has launched a sharp attack against actor Imran Khan, calling him a 'jobless actor' who lacks political awareness, after he participated in protests at August Kranti Maidan, Mumbai, on 10 October 2026, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The remarks come as Imran faces a government order to leave India by 28 October 2026 over his alleged violation of the Foreigners Act — a controversy that has put the spotlight on the boundaries of political participation for Overseas Citizens of India.

What Payal Rohatgi Said

Speaking to reporters, Rohatgi did not hold back in her criticism. 'Well, he should be aware that he is not supposed to be doing something so stupid. He is not an Indian citizen, he is a US citizen — first, you are a US citizen, on top of that, you are living in India, working here, you got married, but I think you didn't take a visa, or I don't know, he's divorced or something like that,' she said.

She further added, 'So why are you going to a protest site? A lot of out-of-work actors, jobless actors go to these protests so that they can get visibility, because there all of you are present, right? Because the protest needs to be covered, so a lot of jobless actors go there.'

Imran Khan's Detention and FRRO Notice

Actor Imran Khan was detained by the police on 10 October after attending the August Kranti Maidan protest in Mumbai. It subsequently emerged that he is not an Indian citizen and holds Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, having acquired US citizenship.

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) subsequently issued a notice directing him to leave India by 28 October 2026, citing alleged violations of the Foreigners Act. Action has reportedly been initiated against him under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act. A copy of the notice has been served on the actor.

Imran Khan to Challenge Notice in Bombay High Court

According to reports, Imran Khan intends to approach the Bombay High Court to challenge the FRRO's departure notice. His legal team is expected to argue against the order, though no hearing date has been confirmed yet.

This comes amid a broader political debate over whether OCI cardholders — who enjoy many residency rights in India but are not Indian nationals — are permitted to participate in political protests on Indian soil. The August Kranti Maidan demonstration was one of several protests demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Larger OCI and Political Participation Debate

The case has reignited scrutiny of the legal rights and limitations of OCI cardholders in India. While OCI status grants indefinite residency and work rights, it explicitly bars holders from activities such as voting and, reportedly, political participation — a distinction that critics argue the FRRO is now invoking. Legal experts note that the interpretation of 'political activity' under the Foreigners Act remains contested. The actor's pending court challenge could set a significant precedent on where those boundaries lie.