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Imran Khan Opens Up About Struggles with Anxiety, Divorce, and New Beginnings on 'Be A Man, Yaar! Season 2'
Imran Khan Opens Up About Struggles: In the latest episode of Be A Man, Yaar! Season 2, Imran Khan, the actor known for his impactful performances in films like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, bared his soul in a candid conversation with Media Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Yuvaa, Nikhil Taneja. The emotionally charged episode saw Imran delve into his personal and professional struggles, including his battles with anxiety and depression, the pressures of societal expectations, his divorce, his new relationship with Lekha Washington, and his evolving relationship with his uncle, Aamir Khan.
Imran opened up about the early signs of his anxiety, recalling how he would wake up at 4 AM with a racing heart and difficulty breathing, lying awake until sunrise. "I couldn’t understand what was happening to me," he shared. "It felt like I was weak, incapable." When he finally confided in his mother, he faced criticism from others who dismissed therapy and emotional vulnerability as signs of weakness. "How do you respect a man who’s not earning, not going to work, just crying about his feelings? That narrative weighed heavily on me," Imran expressed, revealing the immense pressure he felt to conform to societal expectations of masculinity.
Despite the dark thoughts that plagued him, Imran found his anchor in his daughter. "For a while, I had this sense that okay, so this is how it ends," he confessed. "But the thought of my daughter growing up without me was unacceptable. No matter how difficult or scary it is, I won't leave her. You have to drag yourself forward, even if it’s by your fingernails."
The actor also addressed his recent divorce, explaining that it was a mutual decision made in the interest of personal growth. "In order for both of us to thrive, we needed to take a very difficult call," Imran said. "It’s not easy; it’s gut-wrenching. But ultimately, it’s been instrumental in making me healthier, stronger. There’s nothing wrong with people changing the status of their relationships if it leads to their growth."
Imran spoke warmly of his current partner, Lekha Washington, highlighting their shared commitment to healing and personal growth. He described her as "all heart" and expressed his admiration for her wonderful qualities, which he strives to emulate.
In addition to his personal life, Imran also opened up about his struggles with body image issues and the extreme measures he took to conform to industry standards. "For a long time, I tried to conform to that superhero physique," he admitted. "I took all the supplements, even resorted to steroids, but it’s not sustainable. I’m not built like Captain America or Thor, and that’s okay."
Throughout the conversation, Imran reflected on the pressures of living up to expectations—both his own and those imposed by others—and how he’s learned to prioritize his mental health and well-being. His time away from the limelight, he said, has been transformative, allowing him to grow into a better, more capable person.
- PTC PUNJABI
