Imran Khan reflects on his Bollywood journey, from walking the ramp with Ranbir Kapoor to handling award show nerves with vodka.
Imran Khan opens up about Bollywood’s high-pressure moments, from walking the ramp with Ranbir Kapoor to using vodka to calm nerves at Filmfare Awards.
The years between 2008 and 2012 were a transformative period for Hindi cinema. Superstars ascended to even greater heights, and social media began shaping public narratives around actors and films like never before. Among the rising stars of that era was Imran Khan, who charmed audiences with his urban romcoms and seemed destined for sustained success. However, his career took an unexpected turn, leading him to step away from the limelight. Now, after years of speculation, Imran has resurfaced, sparking curiosity about a potential comeback.
In a candid conversation on the Moments of Silence podcast, Imran looked back at some memorable moments from his early career, including a nerve-wracking fashion show alongside Ranbir Kapoor. Recalling his discomfort with ramp walks, he admitted, “I have never been comfortable with stage shows, ramp walks, etc. Actual models walk with a sense of presence and confidence, and all I’m thinking of is to not fall down on stage. It was harrowing.” A throwback image from the event revealed Imran and Ranbir with a noticeably bronzed look, prompting him to share an amusing behind-the-scenes detail: “It is a whole weird process to be body-painted. There is a whole lot of flexing and twisting to make the abs look sharper.”
On the topic of physical fitness, Imran was refreshingly honest about his struggles. While fitness is often a non-negotiable in Bollywood, he confessed that it never came naturally to him. “It is very stressful to look very muscled. I’ve never been that serious about physical fitness till I was forced to take it seriously.”
Imran also delved into Bollywood’s infamous afterparties, particularly the Filmfare Awards night he co-hosted with Ranbir Kapoor. With industry giants like Amitabh Bachchan seated in the front row, the pressure was immense. “Honestly, the awards night was quite stressful because I was less than a year into the industry, and knew that people like Mr. Bachchan would be in the front row. It was very scary.” Luckily, Ranbir had a trick up his sleeve. “After the dress rehearsal, Ranbir showed up with expensive vodka. Every time we were off the stage, we had a few sips before getting back on to continue with the show. It helped us keep our nerves in check.”
While there has been no official confirmation, rumors continue to swirl about Imran’s return to acting. Reports suggest he might be making his Netflix debut in a film directed by Danish Aslam, who previously helmed Break Ke Baad. Whether or not this speculation turns into reality, one thing is clear—Imran Khan’s presence in Bollywood remains unforgettable, and fans are eager to see what’s next.
