Bollywood heartthrob Imran Khan is officially back. After a long hiatus from acting, he is returning to the big screen in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, slated for release in January 2026. Once celebrated as the poster boy of youthful romance with films like Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and Delhi Belly, Imran quietly stepped away from the spotlight in 2015. His comeback has sparked excitement among fans who grew up watching his easy charm and relatable performances. As he re‑enters the industry, his journey, from child actor playing Aamir Khan’s younger self, to breakout star, to a deliberate retreat, and now a carefully chosen return, offers a fascinating story of resilience and reinvention. (Image: Instagram)
Imran Khan was born in Madison, Wisconsin, US., and raised in Mumbai. His mother, Nuzhat Khan, is a psychologist, and his father, Anil Pal, is a software engineer. After their separation, Nuzhat married actor Raj Zutshi, who became Imran’s stepfather. With his maternal uncle being superstar Aamir Khan and his grandfather filmmaker Nasir Hussain, Imran grew up surrounded by cinema and storytelling. (Image: Instagram)
Imran’s first brush with acting came as a child artist. He played the younger version of Aamir Khan’s characters in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992). These early roles gave him a taste of the industry and foreshadowed his eventual rise as a leading man. (Image: Instagram)
Imran’s official debut as a hero came with Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008), produced by Aamir Khan. The film was a massive success, instantly making him a youth icon. His boyish charm and natural screen presence resonated with audiences, and he was hailed as one of Bollywood’s most promising newcomers. (Image: IMDb)
Following his debut, Imran starred in Kidnap (2008), I Hate Luv Storys (2010), Delhi Belly (2011), and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011). While Delhi Belly became a cult hit, several of his later films struggled commercially. His last release, Katti Batti (2015), failed to impress, leading him to step back from acting. (Image: Instagram)
Imran has spoken candidly about his decision to leave films, citing creative dissatisfaction and the need to explore life beyond cinema. In interviews, he admitted: “I wasn’t enjoying the work anymore. I didn’t want to keep doing films just for visibility.” His hiatus allowed him to focus on personal growth, family, and creative pursuits outside Bollywood. (Image: Instagram)
In late 2025, Aamir Khan Productions announced Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, a quirky spy comedy directed by Vir Das. The film features Vir Das, Mona Singh, Mithila Palkar, and Imran Khan in a pivotal role. Scheduled for release on January 16, 2026, the project marks his long‑awaited return. Fans were thrilled to see him in the trailer, with many noting how his youthful charm now blends with maturity. (Image: Instagram)
Bollywood has evolved in the past decade, with audiences embracing diverse genres and character‑driven stories. Imran’s understated style, his easy humor and sincerity, fits perfectly into this new landscape. Reflecting on his comeback, he shared: “I wanted to return only when I felt I had something new to offer. Now, I feel ready. (Image: Instagram)