Actor Imran Khan, who made a notable return to the industry with Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, recently shared his perspective on competition and comparisons in Bollywood. The actor emphasised why he has never believed in viewing cinema as a competitive space.
Imran Khan on comparisons with Ranbir Kapoor
Appearing on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra, Season 3, produced by Gautam Thakker Films, the conversation touched upon the highly competitive nature of the film industry and the constant comparisons between actors, especially during his earlier stint, including with Ranbir Kapoor.
Responding to this, Imran Khan said, “I had never bought into the notion of creative competition. It again reduces cinema and our art form into some kind of a competitive sport, and I don’t see that as doing full justice to the films that we make.” He further added, “Someone may be emotionally moved by a film, someone may not. That’s fine. But measuring it as a metric of numbers, I have never bought into that. I don’t really subscribe to that.”
With his grounded outlook, Imran Khan`s thoughts offer a refreshing take on success and individuality in the film industry, where comparisons and box office numbers often dominate conversations.
Did Imran Khan take a dig at Ranbir Kapoor?
Imran Khan conducted an AMA session on Reddit. A fan told him, “Please do not transition to the macho roles which are so hot right now.” The actor replied, “Yeah, no interest in playing a hairy, angry man covered in blood. I think that genre is generously represented.”
While Imran did not name anyone in his response, netizens assumed it was a dig at actors who are now taking up hyper-masculine roles like Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor (Dhurandhar and Animal).
Another fan asked him, “You were one of the few actors who portrayed a ‘good man’ as calm, kind, and emotionally intelligent. Today, a lot of mainstream Bollywood heroes are loud, aggressive, and often glorify violence or problematic behaviour toward women. How do you see this shift as an actor? Do you think this is just a phase or a deeper change in storytelling? And do you see space for more grounded, sensitive male characters to return?”
The actor replied, “I have also noticed this trend and am disturbed by the way these films coddle every violent tantrum thrown by emotionally immature man-children who can’t conceive of a valid reason that a woman might spurn their advances. It’s important to note that there’s a significant difference between portraying violence and toxicity and validating them. I see it as people chasing a trend without consideration. My own sensibilities would not permit me to participate in a narrative which I consider irresponsible.”
