Actor Imran Khan was among hundreds of people detained at a Mumbai demonstration on October 10, 2026. It was held in support of the Cockroach Janata Party's protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The situation was serious, but what caught the internet's attention was something else - Imran's smile through it all.
The Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na actor stayed calm and smiling as he was pushed into a Mumbai police van. Fans welcomed him online as 'Ranjhore Ka Rathore'. Many also made cinematic edits from the visuals.
Why Fans Saw Jai Rathore In Imran Khan?
For many, the moment brought back his much-loved character Jai Singh Rathore from the 2008 romantic comedy Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. The film became a favourite for a whole generation of moviegoers.
In the film, Jai is a peace-loving son of a family that is proud of its warrior lineage. His friends tease him for being too gentle and unwilling to fight.
He becomes Ranjhore Ka Rathore when he finally finds the courage to stand up for what matters to him. To do so, he has to meet three ancestral conditions: ride a horse, get arrested and beat someone up.
Actor Imran Khan getting ready to ride a horse in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (Image: YouTube)
Imran Khan in a still from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (Image: YouTube)
Nearly two decades later, the internet has brought that character back to make sense of Imran's detention.
Fans are especially praising how calm he stayed in an uncomfortable situation.
ALSO READ - Bollywood Actor Imran Khan Detained In Mumbai During CJP Protest
Imran also got attention after posting a photo of himself inside the police van on Instagram. He wrote in the caption, "Apparently I'm going for a drive." The post has over 2 million likes.
Social media users loved how effortlessly cool he looked while being jostled by police. He is being called the greenest flag and an absolute 'pookie'.
In fact, it won't be wrong to say that he has become the face of the Gen Z protests online.
ALSO READ - Imran Khan Set For Bollywood Comeback After A Decade; Says Viral Memes Inspired His Return
Imran Khan Asked To Leave India?
Imran Khan, a US citizen and OCI cardholder, has been told to leave India days after joining a Mumbai protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) has served him a notice to go by October 28, alleging he broke the Foreigners Act.
The controversy grew after BJP leader Kirit Somaiya demanded action against Khan. He asked whether a foreign national with OCI status has the right to take part in a political protest aimed at the Indian government.
An OCI cardholder is not an Indian citizen.
He has been asked him to leave the country by October 28. The action has been taken under India's immigration law. Authorities say the law does not allow a foreign national to take part in protests like this one.
The Cockroach Janata Party organised the demonstrations. Protests were held in several parts of the country, including Mumbai and Delhi. Demonstrators called for accountability over alleged irregularities.
FAQ
1. Is actor Imran Khan not Indian?
Imran Khan is a US citizen who is an OCI cardholder which means he doesn't have full political rights in India.
2. What was Imran Khan's last movie?
Imran Khan was last seen as a lead in 2015 movie Katti Batti. He made a cameo appearance in 2026 film Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos.