Bollywood actor Imran Khan has said his daughter Imara and his partner Lekha Washington have played a key role in his healing journey and personal growth.

Imran, who is set to appear in a short cameo in Vir Das’s upcoming film Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, spoke to NDTV about his life, work and recovery from depression and anxiety. The film is scheduled to release in theatres this Friday, January 16, 2026.

He said the last few years have been better than before and that therapy has helped him feel more settled and ready to return to work. He added that love and support from his daughter and partner have been crucial to his well-being.

Imran said love is a two-way feeling and described it as empowering and healing. He said receiving love gives strength, while giving love truthfully and selflessly also brings healing. He said the bond he shares with his daughter Imara and his partner Lekha has been central to his recovery and growth.

The actor has been in a relationship with Lekha Washington since 2020. He was earlier married to Avantika Malik. The couple divorced in 2019. They have a daughter, Imara, who was born in 2014.

Imran said he had almost stopped working after his daughter was born as he wanted to spend more time with her. He said being present in a child’s life leaves a deep impact, even from a very young age. He said he puts his daughter to bed, feeds her and regularly picks her up from school.

He said spending time with his daughter gives him joy, purpose and a sense of value. He also said it is difficult for him to give up time with her for work or events. Even during long shoots, he tries to adjust his schedule so that he does not miss time with her.

Imran also spoke about joining Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos for a cameo role. He said he agreed to do the film out of fear of missing out after learning that many of his friends were involved in the project.

He said filmmaker Vir Das was developing the project and that his uncle Aamir Khan was attached as a producer. Actress Mithila Palkar, who worked with Imran in Katti Batti, also shared details about the film with him.

Imran said he later sent a message to Vir Das and joined the project because his friends were part of it and the film looked like fun.

Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos will release in theatres on January 16, 2026.

With inputs from NDTV