'Respect His Opinions': Abhinay Deo Backs Imran Khan Amid 'Leave India' Notice
Filmmaker Abhinay Deo speaks out for actor Imran Khan after Mumbai Police issued a 'Leave India' notice over protest participation.
Filmmaker Abhinay Deo has come forward to support actor Imran Khan following the shocking news that the Mumbai Police have issued a 'Leave India' notice to the star. Deo, who directed Khan in the 2011 cult hit Delhi Belly, has urged the public and authorities to respect the actor's personal decisions and privacy during this legal turmoil.
A Call for Respect and Privacy
Speaking to ANI, Abhinay Deo emphasized the importance of individuality and freedom of thought. "We should let people have their opinions, their decisions, and we should respect them for what they are worth," the director stated.
While Deo avoided diving deep into the legal complexities of the case, he shared a heartfelt assessment of the actor based on their professional relationship. He described Imran Khan as an "incredible person," a "very, very nice human being," and a man who is "fantastically passionate and sensitive."
The filmmaker was careful to maintain a boundary, noting that he did not wish to comment beyond his personal experiences. "Anything more than that, I would be violating his space, is what I think," Deo added.
The Controversy: Why the 'Leave India' Notice?
The situation escalated when the Mumbai Police issued a notice directing Imran Khan—the nephew of superstar Aamir Khan—to leave the country by October 28. The action stems from allegations that Khan participated in a protest despite not being an Indian citizen; reports indicate that the actor holds an American passport.
The legal action has been initiated under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration Act. The actor was previously detained by the Mumbai Police on a Saturday while participating in a protest. In a characteristic move, Khan shared a photo of himself inside a police van on social media with the caption, "Apparently I’m going for a drive."
Imran Khan's Defense and Legal Battle
Addressing the media, Imran Khan maintained that he visited the protest site as a citizen of Mumbai and was not there to push any specific demands. He raised concerns regarding the suppression of voices and questioned the restrictions placed on the freedom of movement.
The battle is now moving to the judiciary. According to his legal team, Khan is set to challenge the 'Leave India' notice in the Bombay High Court. An appeal is expected to be filed next week, though the specific grounds for the appeal have not yet been disclosed.
While the legal drama unfolds, Abhinay Deo is preparing for his own professional milestone, as his upcoming film Doosra is slated for a theatrical release on October 23.