Abhinay Deo Defends Imran Khan Amid Controversial Notice

Director Abhinay Deo urges respect for Imran Khan's views as the actor faces a 'Leave India' notice from Mumbai Police.

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Aapla Nagpur Desk
17 Oct 2026, 1:17 PM IST · 2 min read
Source: TOI
Abhinay Deo Defends Imran Khan Amid Controversial Notice
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1

Imran Khan received a 'Leave India' notice from Mumbai Police, requiring him to exit by October 28.

2

Abhinay Deo praises Khan as an 'incredible person' based on their collaboration on 'Delhi Belly'.

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Khan plans to challenge the notice in Bombay High Court next week.

Abhinay Deo, the director behind the 2011 film 'Delhi Belly', has publicly expressed his support for actor Imran Khan, who is currently facing a 'Leave India' notice from Mumbai Police. The notice demands that Khan, who reportedly holds an American passport, leave the country by October 28. Deo's appeal comes at a time when the actor's freedom of expression is under scrutiny.

In an interview with ANI, Deo emphasized the importance of respecting individual opinions and choices, stating, "We should let people have their opinions, their decisions, and we should respect them for what they are worth." His remarks highlight the ongoing debate about personal freedoms in the face of legal challenges.

The 'Leave India' notice stems from allegations that Khan participated in protests without being an Indian citizen, leading to his detention under the Immigration Act. Following his arrest, Khan shared a photo from a police van, humorously captioning it, "Apparently I’m going for a drive." This incident has raised questions about the limits of public protest and the rights of non-citizens in India.

Khan has indicated that he will contest the notice in the Bombay High Court, with his legal team preparing a petition expected to be filed next week. The details of the legal challenge remain undisclosed, but Khan has voiced concerns about the suppression of public voices and the restrictions on movement.

While Deo refrained from commenting on the legal aspects of Khan's situation, he reiterated his admiration for the actor, describing him as a "fantastically passionate and sensitive man." Meanwhile, Deo is set to release his next film, 'Doosra', on October 23, which may draw additional public attention amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Khan.

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