US national Imran Khans’s Cockroach stunt backfires, asked to leave India, here are some more Indian film stars who hold foreign citizenship

From Imran Khan to Alia Bhatt: Indian Film Stars Who Hold Foreign Citizenship Despite Working in India

The controversy surrounding actor Imran Khan has renewed the debate over foreign citizenship, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status and the rights of international celebrities working in India’s film industry.

The issue has attracted attention after reports that the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) directed actor Imran Khan, an American citizen and OCI cardholder, to leave India by October 28, 2026. The reported action followed his participation in a protest in Mumbai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Khan is reportedly preparing to challenge the directive in the Bombay High Court.

The controversy has prompted renewed public interest in other prominent film stars who work in Indian cinema but do not hold Indian citizenship.

1. Alia Bhatt — British Citizen

Alia Bhatt is among Hindi cinema’s most recognisable actresses. Although born and raised in India, she holds British citizenship through her mother, Soni Razdan, who was born in the United Kingdom. Alia has built a successful career in Indian cinema, starring in films such as Raazi, Gangubai Kathiawadi and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

Her citizenship has frequently attracted public attention, particularly during discussions about nationality and representation in the Indian film industry. She in most part usually avoids commentary and meddling in the politics of the country. However she also belongs to the Bhatt family that have had notorious and extremely connections in the past.

2. Jacqueline Fernandez — Sri Lankan Citizen

Jacqueline Fernandez was born in Bahrain and holds Sri Lankan citizenship. She became a familiar face in Bollywood through films such as Kick, Housefull 2 and Judwaa 2.

Jacqueline has also been in the headlines for her connections with the jailed conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

3. Sunny Leone — Canadian Citizen

Sunny Leone, born Karenjit Kaur Vohra in Canada, became a prominent personality in Indian entertainment through films, television appearances and reality shows.

She has appeared in Hindi films including Jism 2 and Ragini MMS 2. Her Canadian background has often been discussed alongside the broader issue of foreign citizenship among Indian film celebrities.

4. Nargis Fakhri — American Citizen

Nargis Fakhri was born in the United States and rose to prominence in India with her Bollywood debut in Rockstar, opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

She subsequently appeared in films such as Madras Cafe and Main Tera Hero. Her career is another example of a foreign national establishing a presence in the Indian film industry. Nargis also has Pakistani heritage through her father.

5. Nora Fatehi — Canadian Citizen

Nora Fatehi, born in Canada, became widely known in India for her dance performances, music videos and film appearances. She has appeared in projects including Street Dancer 3D and Bhuj: The Pride of India.

Nora also has Moroccan heritage which she posts about on a regular basis. Her name had popped up in the Sukesh case, she has also been in the dock for being part of an extremely vulgar song. Nora even tries to get involved by backing protests in India.

6. Kalki Koechlin — French Citizen

Kalki Koechlin, known for films such as Dev.D, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Margarita with a Straw, was born in India to French parents and holds French citizenship.

Her work spans mainstream Bollywood, independent cinema and theatre, making her one of the more distinctive international talents in Indian cinema.

For a foreign national Kalki meddles a bit in the Indian scene regularly making comments that irk the public and masses in divergent ways.

7. Diljit Dosanjh — American citizen

The Punjabi singer and actor, known for Amar Singh Chamkila, Jatt & Juliet and Good Newwz, reportedly acquired US citizenship in 2022 and has travelled to India using a US passport.

Dosanjh has previously been a big part of the farmers agitation, he also seems to have a very strong Pakistani and anti India following. Usually Dosanjh tries to keep a balancing act to keep all these sides as his fans.

8. Katrina Kaif — British Citizen

Katrina Kaif, one of Bollywood’s leading actresses, holds British citizenship. Born in Hong Kong, she established her career in Hindi cinema through successful films such as Namastey London, Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai.

Despite her international background, she has spent much of her professional life working in India’s entertainment industry. Katrina is usually very reserved in her opinions on politics etc she concentrates on her work and personal life rather than wading into such controversial discussions.

What About Akshay Kumar?

Akshay Kumar was previously a Canadian citizen, and his Canadian passport became a frequent subject of public debate. However, he renounced Canadian citizenship and obtained Indian citizenship in 2023.

Does an OCI Card Make Someone an Indian Citizen?

No. An Overseas Citizen of India card provides eligible foreign citizens with certain immigration and other privileges, but it does not confer Indian citizenship.

India does not permit full dual citizenship. A person who is an Indian citizen and voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship generally ceases to be an Indian citizen under the applicable law. OCI status is a separate legal arrangement.

Foreign nationals residing in India must comply with applicable immigration requirements. The rules governing political participation and other activities can also differ from those applicable to Indian citizens. The precise legal position in Imran Khan’s case remains subject to the reported challenge to the government’s directive.

Citizenship, Celebrity and the Law

The Imran Khan controversy raises a broader question about the relationship between citizenship, freedom of expression and the responsibilities of foreign nationals living and working in India.

India’s film industry has long welcomed international talent, and foreign citizenship alone does not establish wrongdoing. At the same time, foreign nationals and OCI cardholders must comply with the laws and conditions applicable to their status.

As the legal proceedings surrounding Imran Khan develop, the distinction between citizenship, OCI privileges and the rights of foreign nationals should be understood in a very real sense.