MUMBAI: The protest involving actor Imran Khan and the reported deportation notice have brought renewed attention to the rules governing foreign nationals who live and work in India. The case has also sparked interest in the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme, under which eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin can enjoy specified residency and employment privileges without acquiring Indian citizenship.
From Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif to Nora Fatehi and Jacqueline Fernandez, several prominent personalities have established successful careers in Indian cinema despite having international backgrounds. However, foreign citizenship, OCI registration and permission to reside or work in India are distinct legal matters, and the circumstances of each individual must be examined separately.
Participation of Imran Khan in CJP protest and the ‘Leave India’ notice
Actor Imran Khan, who holds US citizenship and an OCI card, has come under scrutiny after participating in a protest in Mumbai on October 10, 2026. The demonstration called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and was associated with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
According to media reports, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) subsequently issued a notice directing Khan to leave India by October 28, alleging a violation of immigration rules. The action followed a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who questioned the actor’s participation in a political protest despite his foreign citizenship.
Nine celebrities with foreign citizenship associated with Indian cinema
Alia Bhatt: British citizenship, a major career in Hindi cinema
Alia Bhatt is one of the most prominent actresses in contemporary Hindi cinema. The daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress Soni Razdan. She has publicly confirmed that she holds British citizenship through her mother’s background. Alia established herself through films such as Highway, Raazi, Gully Boy and Gangubai Kathiawadi. She has also expanded her work into international productions, including Heart of Stone.
Akhil Akkineni: American-born actor in Telugu cinema
Akhil Akkineni is an actor associated with the Telugu film industry and the son of actor Nagarjuna Akkineni and actress Amala Akkineni. Born in San Jose, California, he grew up connected to a family with a long history in Indian cinema. He made his acting debut as a lead performer with Akhil and subsequently appeared in films including Hello and Most Eligible Bachelor.
Katrina Kaif: British citizen who became a Bollywood star
Katrina Kaif is among the best-known actresses with foreign citizenship working in Indian cinema. Born in Hong Kong to a British mother, she holds British citizenship. She entered the entertainment industry through modelling before gaining recognition in Bollywood. Her filmography includes Namastey London, Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai and Sooryavanshi. Over the years, she has worked with leading actors and directors, becoming a familiar name among audiences across India.
Nora Fatehi: Canadian entertainer with Moroccan roots
Nora Fatehi was born in Toronto, Canada, and comes from a Moroccan family background. She became popular in India through dance performances, music videos and film appearances. Her performances in songs featured in films such as Satyameva Jayate and Batla House helped establish her public profile.
Jacqueline Fernandez: From Sri Lankan pageant winner to Bollywood actress
Jacqueline Fernandez was born in Bahrain and has Sri Lankan citizenship. She entered the public spotlight after winning the Miss Universe Sri Lanka title in 2006 and subsequently moved into acting. She gained recognition in Hindi cinema through films such as Murder 2, Housefull 2, Race 2 and Kick. She has since worked across commercial films, music videos and entertainment events.
Sunny Leone: Canadian-American entertainer working in India
Sunny Leone was born in Canada to Punjabi parents and holds Canadian and American citizenship. She entered mainstream Indian entertainment through Jism 2 and later appeared in films such as Ragini MMS 2 and Ek Paheli Leela. Beyond acting, Sunny has worked in reality television, hosted programmes and participated in music videos.
Kalki Koechlin: French citizenship and a career in Indian cinema
Kalki Koechlin was born in Puducherry to French parents and grew up in India. She is known for her work in mainstream and independent cinema, often taking on roles that differ from conventional Bollywood portrayals. Her performances in Dev D, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Margarita with a Straw brought her critical recognition. She has also worked in theatre and digital productions.
Natasa Stankovic: Serbian performer who entered Indian entertainment
Natasa Stankovic is a Serbian model, dancer and actress who moved to Mumbai in 2012 to pursue opportunities in entertainment. She appeared on Bigg Boss 8 and gained further recognition through the music video DJ Waley Babu.
Amy Jackson: British actress with experience in Indian regional cinema
Amy Jackson is a British actress who established a career in Indian films, particularly in Tamil cinema, before appearing in Telugu and Hindi productions. She is known for films including Ekk Deewana Tha, Singh Is Bliing and 2.0. Her work across multiple language industries brought her recognition among audiences beyond Bollywood.
What does India’s OCI scheme allow?
The Overseas Citizen of India scheme was introduced in 2005 to provide eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin with specified benefits for travel, residence and other activities in India. Eligibility is governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the applicable government rules.
According to the official OCI services portal, registered cardholders generally receive a lifelong, multiple-entry visa for India. They are exempt from routine registration with the FRRO or Foreigners Registration Officer for the duration of their stay, subject to applicable conditions and reporting requirements. Certain activities, including journalism and research, may require special permission. OCI status does not amount to dual citizenship. Cardholders remain foreign nationals holding passports issued by other countries. They cannot vote in Indian elections, contest parliamentary or state legislative elections, or hold specified constitutional posts reserved for Indian citizens.
The scheme therefore creates a distinction between foreign citizens who qualify for OCI benefits and Indian citizens who enjoy the full political rights associated with Indian nationality.
The reported notice issued to Imran Khan has brought the legal position of foreign nationals participating in political demonstrations into public discussion. The actor’s case involves questions about the scope of immigration authorities’ powers, the conditions attached to OCI status and the legal grounds required for directing a foreign national to leave India.
At the same time, the Imran Khan controversy has renewed attention to the legal framework governing foreign nationals in India. Understanding that framework requires distinguishing citizenship, immigration permission and OCI registration rather than treating them as identical.
