Payal Rohatagi Calls Imran Khan ‘Jobless Actor’ Over Participation in CEC Protest

Mumbai, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Actress Payal Rohatagi has criticised actor Imran Khan for participating in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, calling him a “jobless actor” and questioning his understanding of Indian politics.

Imran attended a demonstration at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10 and was detained by police. The actor holds Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status and is not an Indian citizen.

Speaking to IANS, Rohatagi questioned his decision to participate in the protest, arguing that his citizenship status should have made him aware of the restrictions applicable to him.

“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,” she said, while also referring to his personal circumstances.

Rohatagi further alleged that actors who are out of work sometimes attend protests to gain visibility because such events attract media coverage.

“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,” she said.

The controversy has intensified after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) directed Imran to leave India by October 28 over his alleged participation in the protest. The order reportedly invokes provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, alleging that his involvement in the demonstration violated rules applicable to foreign nationals.

Imran is expected to approach the Bombay High Court to challenge the FRRO notice, according to reports. The actor’s legal challenge would contest the action taken against him following the protest.

The demonstration at August Kranti Maidan was organised amid demands for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over allegations concerning the electoral process. Imran’s participation drew attention because of his OCI status and the subsequent action initiated by immigration authorities.