Imran Khan (actor)
.png "Imran Khan (actor)") |
| Imran Khan (actor) |
| Born | 13 January 1983 Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian American |
| Alma mater | Fremont High School Bombay Scottish School New York Film Academy |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Spouse(s) | Avantika Malik (m. 2011) |
| Children | 1[1] |
| Relatives | Aamir Khan (Uncle) Mansoor Khan (Uncle) Nasir Hussain (Grand-father) |
Khan made his adult acting debut in 2008 with the romantic comedy Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, which was a critical and commercial success. His performance in the film won him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. After the failure of his next two films, Khan was written off by the media, calling him a "one film wonder". He then starred in a number of commercially successful films like I Hate Luv Storys (2010), Delhi Belly (2011), Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011) and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012).
Khan is regarded as one of the most popular, good-looking and stylish celebrities in India. He is a social activist, and has written columns for The Hindustan Times. He is a supporter of PETA, having appeared in events organised for the group. He married Avantika Malik in January 2011, after a ten-year relationship.
Contents
- 1 Early life and background
- 2 Acting career
- 2.1 2008–10: Debut and breakthrough
- 2.2 2011–12: Commercial success
- 2.3 2013–present
- 3 Other ventures
- 3.1 Social activism
- 3.2 Commentary and endorsements
- 4 Personal life
- 5 Image and artistry
- 6 Filmography
- 7 Awards and nominations
- 8 See also
- 9 References
- 10 External links
Early life and background
Imran Khan was born Imran Pal[2] on 13 January 1983 in Madison, Wisconsin, United States to Anil Pal (a software engineer)[3] and Nuzhat Khan (a psychologist).[4] He is the nephew of actor Aamir Khan and director-producer Mansoor Khan, and the grandson of director-producer Nasir Hussain.[4] Khan is of Hindu Bengali descent on his father's side, and on his mother's side he is a Muslim.[3][4]Khan and his mother moved to Mumbai, India after his parents divorced.[5] He appeared in the films Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992) as a child artist, both times playing the role of a young Aamir Khan.[6][7] He studied at Bombay Scottish School, where he developed a stammer due to corporal punishments such as caning.[8] According to Khan, his grades fell and his academic career went into a "strong decline" due to his inability to cope with his environment; he became nervous and developed facial tics.[8] As a result, his parents transferred him to Blue Mountain School (a boarding school) in Coonoor.[9][10] Khan described his experience there as "phenomenal"; when the principal left to start his own school, he and several other students followed him to a Gurukul in the jungles of Ooty,[9] with no electricity where the students washed their clothes in a creek and grew some of the food they ate.[9] Khan later admitted that frequently changing schools made him independent but also a loner.[5]
Khan then moved to Sunnyvale, California, where he lived with his father and attended Fremont High School.[11] Upon graduation he aspired to become a film director, and went to Los Angeles to pursue a degree in filmmaking at the Los Angeles branch of the New York Film Academy.[11][12] Studying direction, writing and cinematography, Khan was inspired by writer Roald Dahl.[5][13] After receiving his degree, he ventured into market research and advertising.[5] He eventually returned to Mumbai and trained to become an actor at Kishore Namit Kapoor's acting institute.[4]
Acting career
2008–10: Debut and breakthrough
While training at the acting institute, Khan began networking and met writer-director Abbas Tyrewala, who offered him the lead role in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008).[13] After producer Jhamu Sugandh experienced financial difficulties they offered the script to Aamir Khan, who agreed to finance the film.[6][14] The romantic comedy received positive reviews and was a commercial success,[15] earning
830 million (US$13 million) worldwide.[16] Khan's portrayal of Jai Singh Rathore (Rats)—a boy who does not believe in violence—was praised by critics. Khalid Mohammed mentioned that "the enterprise belongs to debutant Imran Khan who comes up with an intelligent and restrained performance."[17] Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN
called him "the best young actor" of the time, describing his
performance as "unconventional and vulnerable" and stating that it
created "a lasting impression."[18] Khan won the Best Male Debut at the 54th Filmfare Awards, sharing the award with Farhan Akhtar.[19]
Khan at the screening of I Hate Luv Storys, 2010
In 2009, Khan featured alongside an ensemble cast including Dutt, Shruti Hassan, Mithun Chakraborty and Danny Denzongpa in Soham Shah's action thriller Luck, playing Ram Mehra—an average middle-class man in dire need of money and ready to do anything for it.[24] In an interview he said that the stunts (and the "unusual" concept of human betting) inspired him to sign the film.[25] He burnt his eyelashes while shooting the climax scene.[25] It was a commercial failure[26] and generated negative reviews from critics, as did Khan's performance. Rediff.com's Raja Sen stated that the performance lacked the charm of his earlier ones.[27]
After the failure of Kidnap and Luck, Khan received fewer film offers, until Karan Johar approached him for the lead role in I Hate Luv Storys (2010).[28] Directed by Punit Malhotra, the romantic comedy saw him portray Jai Dhingra, a young Casanova who does not believe in the concept of love and romance. The film garnered mixed reviews from critics;[29] Khan's performance was generally well received. Komal Nahta wrote, "Imran Khan is endearing and does well for a good part of the film. But he does need to improve in emotional scenes. [He] is free and lovable in the light scenes.[30][31][32] I Hate Luv Storys was a domestic and international box-office success, earning
725.2 million (US$11 million).[16][33] Khan expressed his gratitude that Johar gave him the opportunity.[28] His next appearance was in Danish Aslam's coming-of-age romantic comedy Break Ke Baad. A commercial failure,[34] the film (and his performance) received mixed reviews;[35] while Namrata Joshi of Outlook labelled his performance "earnest",[36] Anupama Chopra said that "Imran is saddled with a bland, supporting role".[37]2011–12: Commercial success
Khan with Katrina Kaif at a promotional event for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, 2011
550 million (US$8.6 million).[39] A review in Mid Day described his performance as "refreshingly good"[40] and Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India called it his best work to date.[41]
Khan said "It is the kind of film that I have always wanted to do, and
it is very different to what has been done before in Hindi cinema."[42] Later that year, Khan acted in Ali Abbas Zafar's romantic comedy Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. It received mixed reviews, but was a box-office success, with domestic earnings of over 578 million (US$9.1 million).[43] Khan played Kush Agnihotri, a man who falls in love with his brother's bride, played by Ali Zafar and Katrina Kaif, respectively. His performance was praised by critics; Sify's Sonia Chopra referred to him as "instantly likeable".[44][45]For his next feature film, Khan starred as Rahul Kapoor, an uptight architect, in Shakun Batra's directorial debut Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012) with Kareena Kapoor. The romantic comedy, set in Las Vegas, is the story of two strangers who get married one night after they get drunk. Khan described his character as "a guy who lives his life according to his parents' wishes."[46] Critical reaction to the film and his performance was positive, with Rajeev Masand writing that "Imran Khan slips comfortably into his role".[47] Karan Anshuman of Mumbai Mirror opined, "Imran Khan is superbly cast and he doesn't let down. His body language slackens in progression as the script demands and he is absolutely spot on with his comic timing."[48][49] Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu was a modest commercial success, earning a total of
530 million (US$8.3 million) in India and abroad.[50]2013–present
Khan at a promotional event for Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara!, 2013
Khan's next film role was alongside Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha in Milan Luthria's period romantic-drama Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara! (a sequel to 2010's Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai).[58][59] To promote the film, Khan guest starred in television programs; he appeared in an episode of C.I.D.,[60] and a crossover episode between Qubool Hai and Punar Vivah.[61] Critical reaction to the film and Khan's portrayal of a gangster was mixed. While Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express found him unconvincing,[62] NDTV's Saibal Chatterjee wrote, "He provides evidence that he can handle a wider range of roles than he is usually allowed to play."[63] Also that year, he starred opposite Kareena Kapoor in Punit Malhotra's romantic comedy Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, a critical and commercial failure.[64]
As of July 2014, Khan has signed on to appear in Katti Batti, a romantic comedy from Nikhil Advani in which he will play opposite Kangana Ranaut.[65]
Other ventures
Social activism
Khan addressing the media about the Maharashtra state government's new law raising the drinking age to 25
In 2011, Khan and his brother-in-law, Vedant Malik, opposed the Maharashtra state government's new law raising the drinking age to 25 by filing a public-interest litigation (PIL) against it.[72] In an interview given to The Times of India he said; "It's completely unfair to expect that one has to wait till 25 years to exercise his freedom of choice regarding one's lifestyle. Young India is not as irresponsible as the older establishment assumes it to be."[73] He walked the ramp to support Shabana Azmi's charitable initiative, Mijwan Welfare Society, an NGO dedicated to empowering girls.[74] He said that he feels privileged to have been brought up in a family surrounded by strong women.[75] In 2013, Khan along with his wife Avantika Malik and mother Nuzhat Khan, purchased a four-acre land which will be converted into an animal shelter with veterinary doctors and staff who will attend to the rescued animals until they are adopted.[76][77]
In December 2013, it was announced that Khan, along with famed comedy group All India Bakchod, will be heading up a campaign against the recently reinstated ban on gay sex in India through a satirical video highlighting ignorances around gay issues.[78] Speaking to Hindustan Times, Khan said: “I’ve always been involved with gay rights. The scenario in this country is disheartening and depressing. These are basic human rights that people are being denied of; they’re no minority. The idea of this initiative is to show those who do not support homosexuality, how ridiculous their thinking is.” Other Bollywood stars have spoken out to condemn the reintroduction of the law.[79]
In 2014, it was announced that he had joined other Bollywood and international celebrities in the TeachAIDS initiative, a state-of-the-art approach to worldwide HIV prevention, developed at Stanford University.[80]
Commentary and endorsements
Khan became a columnist for The Hindustan Times in March 2009. In his first column he wrote "I like the idea of being able to connect with people one to one, and generally having a space to talk about whatever’s going on in my head that week",[81] and continues contributing occasionally to the paper.[82] According to Khan, promoting alcohol and tobacco products is not right; he has refused all such offers,[83] saying that he only represents brands he can relate to.[84] He has endorsed several products (including Coca-Cola, Levis, MTS India, Maaza, Bru and Lux, having appeared in television and print advertisements.[85][86][87][88][89]Personal life
Khan and Avantika Malik at their wedding reception, February 2011
Khan began dating Avantika Malik (daughter of Vandana Malik, CEO of the CNBC-TV18 business news channel),[93] at age 19 – according to him, when he could not express his thoughts and feelings. He later attributed his personal growth to his relationship with Malik: "I have learned a lot about myself and become a more balanced person."[5] His openness about their relationship at an early stage of his career received much press coverage;[14][94] Sitanshi Talati-Parikh of Verve commented, "he does not see any danger in tagging himself as 'unavailable'".[5] Khan later explained that he did not believe in hiding their relationship;[95] he cited Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan, all of whom married early in their careers and remained popular.[96] The couple were engaged on 16 January 2010, in a farmhouse owned by Avantika's family in Karjat (near Navi Mumbai).[97] They married a year later (on 10 January 2011) in a private civil ceremony at Aamir Khan's home in Pali Hill.[98][99] On December 6, 2013, it was announced that the couple were expecting their first child[100] and on June 9, 2014, Malik gave birth to a baby girl,[101][102] Imara Malik Khan.[103]
Khan's non-controversial lifestyle has generated speculation in the mass media.[104][105] During an interview, he said he does not rely on controversy and rumours to stay in the news.[106] The actor also asserted that he prefers to stay away from the limelight when not promoting his films.[107]
Image and artistry
Khan at an endorsement photoshoot, 2013
Following his successful adult acting debut in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Khan starred in Kidnap and Luck; both were critical and commercial failures, leading to his being written off by the media as a "one-film wonder".[114] He later starred in a series of romantic comedies, most of which were commercially successful, but received mixed response from critics.[115] Writing for CNN-IBN, Rituparna Chatterjee criticized his unwillingness to "get out of his comfort zone"; she explained, "Imran's unassuming charm, while it works in films that also have strong women leads, fails to really create an emotional connect with audiences who go away thinking 'what a nice boy!'"[116]
After moving from his "lover boy" image in Delhi Belly and Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola,[86] Khan was noted for experimenting with different genres and character types.[117][118] According to Daily Mail 's Priyanka Srivastava, "Imran's image as a simple boy has charmed the audience [...] and helped him make a place in Bollywood. He has the ability to underplay characters with confidence and has proved his versatility."[119] The Hindu 's Vijay Nair, however, labelled him as "unconvincing" and said that he "[delivers] performances that suffer in comparison to what his co stars bring to the film."[120]
Khan has been compared to his uncle Aamir Khan, whom he describes as a major influence on his life,[121] as he taught him that a person can learn from their mistakes.[110]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak | Young Raj | Child artist |
| 1992 | Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar | Young Sanjaylal | Child artist |
| 2008 | Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na | Jai Singh Rathore (Rats) | |
| 2008 | Kidnap | Kabir Sharma | |
| 2009 | Luck | Ram Mehra | |
| 2010 | I Hate Luv Storys | Jay Dhingra | |
| 2010 | Jhootha Hi Sahi | Akash (Caller No 1) | Voice-over |
| 2010 | Break Ke Baad | Abhay Gulati | |
| 2011 | Delhi Belly | Tashi Dorjee Lhatoo | English-language film |
| 2011 | Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Kush Agnihotri | |
| 2012 | Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu | Rahul Kapoor | |
| 2013 | Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola | Hukum Singh Matru | Also playback singer for song "Chaar Dina Ki" |
| 2013 | Bombay Talkies | Himself | Special appearance in song "Apna Bombay Talkies" |
| 2013 | Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara! | Aslam | |
| 2013 | Gori Tere Pyaar Mein | Sriram Venkat | |
| TBA | Katti Batti | Maddy | Filming[122] |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Filmfare Awards | Best Male Debut | Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na | Won | [19] |
| Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards | Best Male Debut | Won | [123] | ||
| Sabsey Favourite Kaun Awards | Sabsey Naya Hero | Won | [124] | ||
| Screen Awards | Most Promising Newcomer – Male | Nominated | [125] | ||
| Stardust Awards | Superstar of Tomorrow – Male | Nominated | [125] | ||
| The New Menace | Kidnap | Nominated | [125] | ||
| International Indian Film Academy Awards | Best Villain | Nominated | [125] | ||
| Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards | Best Actor in a Negative Role | Nominated | [126] | ||
| AXN Action Awards | Best Actor in a Negative Role | Won | [127] | ||
| 2010 | Stardust Awards | Superstar of Tomorrow – Male | Luck | Nominated | [128] |
| 2011 | Screen Awards | Best Actor (Popular Choice) | I Hate Luv Storys | Nominated | [129] |
| Stardust Awards | Best Actor – Comedy/Romance | Nominated | [130] | ||
| Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Awards | Fun Fearless Actor – Male | Won | [131] | ||
| GQ Men of the Year Awards | Chivas Award for Outstanding Achievement | Won | [132] | ||
| Airtel Super Star Awards | Future Super Star Hero | Nominated | |||
| 2012 | Zee Cine Awards | International Male Icon | Nominated | [133] | |
| Screen Awards | Best Actor (Popular Choice) | Delhi Belly & Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Nominated | [134] | |
| Best Ensemble Cast | Delhi Belly | Nominated | [134] | ||
| People's Choice Awards India | Favorite Youth Icon | Nominated | [135] | ||
| 2013 | Screen Awards | Best Actor (Popular Choice) | Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu | Nominated | [136] |
| Stardust Awards | Best Actor – Comedy/Romance | Nominated | [137] |
