Imran Khan Opens Up On Returning To The Big Screen With Vir Das’ Happy Patel; States, “Not Seeking To Be A Big Star”

Imran Khan discusses his return with Vir Das’ Happy Patel, saying he is not aiming to be a big star and choosing films he loves. Read on.

Imran Khan On Comeback With Happy Patel

Imran Khan, who was last seen in the 2015 drama Katti Batti, said that his approach now is very different from earlier in his career, explaining he is “Not everybody wants the same thing from their careers. Everyone’s got different paths that they’re seeking. I’m not seeking to build myself into a very big star, to be the biggest star or to be in the top three. Unless I love the film and really want to make it, I won’t… I will only make a film if I feel FOMO (fear of missing out),” underscoring that his involvement in projects must come from genuine enthusiasm rather than commercial calculation.

The actor, known for romantic comedies such as Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Naa, I Hate Luv Storys and Break Ke Baad acknowledged that he is financially secure and now prefers to work with friends and like-minded creatives. “The reason that I ever made films was to play with my friends. We get a bunch of friendly people together, we paint our faces, we put on costumes, and we play. That’s how I see moviemaking,” he said, stressing that creative work must “come from a place of love and joy.”

Imran revealed that the decision to join Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos came from hearing the buzz among close collaborators, including Vir Das and Mithila Palkar, who are also part of the project. Although he had not heard a formal script, he admitted he was “struck with FOMO” and reached out to Das, asking if he could be included in the fun, to which Das responded by crafting a part specifically for him.

Imran Khan On Working With Vir Das

Describing Vir Das as one of India’s best stand-up comedians and someone whose shows he enjoys around the world, Imran said the spontaneous decision to work together was rooted in friendship and mutual creative excitement. Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, which released in theatres on Friday, reunites Imran with Vir Das their first collaboration since the cult comedy Delhi Belly (2011), and with Mithila Palkar after Katti Batti.

In the film, Imran portrays Milind Morea, an international supermodel. Initially, the team hoped to keep his cameo a secret to surprise audiences, but news of his appearance was revealed early in the promotional run.

Reflecting on his hiatus, the 43-year-old actor admitted that he never actively tried to remain in the public consciousness during his break. “It’s all a lot more than one would have imagined,” he said of the attention his return has received, even without a deliberate attempt to stay relevant, a contrast to the conventional wisdom that actors must “reach out and grab” audiences’ attention.

About Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos

Imran also acknowledged stepping back from acting after a string of films underperformed at the box office, saying that his earlier project choices were made with love and in the spirit of camaraderie.

Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos is directed by Vir Das and produced as a light-hearted take on the spy genre, marking a joyful return for one of Bollywood’s most nostalgic stars on his own terms.

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Also Read: Vir Das Reveals Imran Khan ‘Texted’ Him Wishing To Star In Happy Patel; Shares, “Can I Come And Do Something Fun In The Film?”

Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.