"Imran, frankly, seems the apt choice for this role."
Imran Khan is an actor who charmed his fans across the globe in Bollywood.
He is the nephew of the superstar Aamir Khan. The veteran filmmaker Nasir Hussain was his grandfather.
As a child, Imran played the younger versions of Aamir’s characters in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992).
In 2008, he made his adult film debut with Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na.
Across the years that followed, Imran delivered entertaining films. However, unfortunately, these were overshadowed by a slate of failures.
Once touted as the main competitor of Ranbir Kapoor, Imran’s star gradually faded after Katti Batti (2015).
But that hasn’t stopped his fans from rooting for him to make a glorious comeback.
DESIblitz proudly presents five films of Imran Khan that you should watch.
Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na (2008)
Director: Abbas Tyrewala
Stars: Imran Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, Prateik Babbar
As we previously mentioned, Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na was Imran Khan’s first adult foray into Bollywood.
This film sees Imran as Jai Singh ‘Ratz’ and ‘Mowgli’ Rathore, a gentle, non-violent young man.
Genelia Deshmukh also stars as Aditi ‘Meow’ Mahant, Jai’s best friend.
When Jai and Aditi begin dating different people, their jealousy conveys that their feelings for each other run deeper than friendship.
They must face misunderstandings and emotional revelations, and ultimately, Jai must stop Aditi from making a life-changing mistake.
Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na worked wonders at the box office and introduced the industry to a talented newcomer in the form of Imran.
His performance in the film, and in the dance song, ‘Pappu Can’t Dance‘ entertained fans as they could not wait to see what he would do next.
I Hate Luv Storys (2010)
Director: Punit Malhotra
Stars: Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja
In Punit Malhotra’s romantic-comedy, I Hate Luv Storys, Imran features as Jay Dhingra.
Jay is a cynical assistant film director who detest romantic movies and he looks down upon love.
In direct contrast is Simran Saluja (Sonam Kapoor Ahuja), who is a sucker for mushy romance and dreams of a fairytale relationship.
Although Simran is involved with Raj Dholakia (Sammir Dattani), she falls in love with Jay.
Will Jay overcome his fear of commitment and hate for romance or will he risk breaking Simran’s heart?
The duet, ‘Bahara‘, by Shreya Ghoshal and Sona Mohapatra, encapsulates the film’s relatable portrayal of romance.
Imran’s act as the witty and sarcastic Jay makes the film a delight to watch, and his chemistry with Sonam carries the audience on an engrossing journey.
Delhi Belly (2011)
Director: Abhinay Deo
Stars: Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Poorna Jagannathan, Shenaz Treasurywala, Vijay Raaz
Delhi Belly narrates the story of three flatmates: Tashi Dorjee Lhatoo (Imran Khan), Nitin Berry (Kunaal Roy Kapur), and Arup Sengupta (Vir Das).
Tashi is a journalist, Nitin works as a cartoonist, and Arup is a photographer. They lead a messy and unkempt lifestyle which is filled with debts.
Their lives become even more chaotic when diamonds intended for a gangster accidentally falls into their hands.
Tashi, who is already dealing with relationship troubles, gets caught up in a criminal enterprise.
The trio of friends embark on a life-saving scramble to survive.
In this dark comedy, Imran makes our sides split with laughter as Tashi finds himself in hapless situations.
Although Delhi Belly faced criticism for its adult themes and strong language, the film is regarded as a cult classic and a gem of Imran’s career.
Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011)
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Stars: Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ali Zafar, Tara D’Souza
Imran Khan joins forces with director Ali Abbas Zafar for this romantic-comedy.
In Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Imran plays Kush Agnihotri, who agrees to help his older brother, Luv Agnihotri (Ali Zafar), find a bride.
This leads to Kush meeting the sprightly Dimple Dixit (Katrina Kaif), whom Luv chooses to marry.
Complications arise when feelings develop between Kush and Dimple. Kush is now torn between his brother and the woman he now loves.
Then known for her screen partnerships with Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina strikes an easy chemistry with Imran.
In a review of the film, Taran Adarsh writes: “The unlikely chemistry between Katrina and Imran coupled with Ali Zafar’s impeccable comic timing keeps you glued to the screen.
“Imran, frankly, seems the apt choice for this role, and he more than lives up to it.”
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012)
Director: Shakun Batra
Stars: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Imran Khan
In Shakun Batra’s Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Imran portrays Rahul Kapoor, a rigid architect living in Las Vegas.
After he loses his job, he meets the hairstylist, Riana Braganza (Kareena Kapoor Khan).
A drunken night out makes the pair realise that they have accidentally married on impulse.
Instead of hurriedly undoing the situation, Rahul and Riana develop a close friendship.
However, while Rahul falls in love with Riana, she sees their bond differently, and tries to make him accept her feelings.
An exquisite cocktail of comedy, friendship, and unrequited love, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu will make you smile long after the final credits.
Writing for The New York Times, Rachel Saltz comments: “The happy surprise of Ek Main aur Ekk Tu is that it’s not crude, sniggering, or vindictive.
“Instead it’s rather sweet and sometimes even a little unexpected.”
Imran Khan delivers consistently fine performances in all the films on this list. He is charming, restrained, and elegant.
For all the people who argue against nepotism, Imran’s career can perhaps suggest that an easy access into the industry doesn’t guarantee continued stardom.
Long after he took a sabbatical from films, Imran sat down for an interview with Anupama Chopra.
During the chat, Anupama says to him: “There are people who have come into our office only because you’re here.”
This shows that Imran is a loved actor who has people eagerly awaiting a resurgence from him.
Fans were delighted when Imran made a brief return to the big screen in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos (2026).
So, go ahead and get lost in the entertaining films of Imran Khan.
