Imran Khan on tackling severe depression; says he was barely capable of functioning: “Did my best to disappear”

After a hiatus of nearly nine years since his last film, Katti Batti in 2015, actor Imran Khan has been making headlines for his active presence on social media. Unlike many actors who gradually fade away from the public eye, Imran has been engaging with his fans, sparking speculation about a potential comeback to the silver screen. His recent revelations about a ‘mental health scare’ and prioritizing his well-being have shed light on the personal struggles behind his absence from the film industry.

In a candid interview with Film Companion, Imran Khan opened up about the pivotal moment that led to his decision to step away from acting. He revealed that a ‘mental health scare’ prompted him to reassess his life and prioritize his well-being over his career. Imran disclosed that this realization dawned on him around 2016-2017, prompting him to make significant changes in his lifestyle and mindset.

Imran Khan's journey of self-discovery began when he confronted the reality that he wasn't ‘healthy, strong, capable,’ as he previously believed. This revelation compelled him to shift his focus towards improving his mental and emotional health. He acknowledged that while being an actor had been his passion and profession, he recognized that it was "optional" compared to the essential aspects of his well-being.

“The week before Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na released, nobody could have given a damn if I walked on the street; the week after it released, suddenly there are people chasing my car,” he said, adding, “A film doesn’t do well, the same industry people who were chomping at the bit to show up and pat me on the back suddenly are like, ‘You are out of season, you are the wrong kind of flavour’.”

Imran Khan added, “In those years, I was just not capable of doing these things. I was barely capable of functioning. When you are tackling deep and severe depression, just getting up in the morning and brushing your teeth and taking a shower is a monumental task.” He also ensured he attended his therapy sessions.

The actor added that he did his best to disappear and wasn’t attached to the fame. “I did my best to disappear. I did not engage via those threads. You know how desperately people cling on to the spotlight, I didn’t. I did exactly the opposite of what you are supposed to do to stay relevant. Yet here we are, and here I am,” he said. ALSO READ: Imran Khan is “glad” that his spy series with Hotstar got shelved: “I don't want to play a character who solves problems with a gun”