Actor and activist Mandana Karimi has officially announced her departure from India, marking the end of a 16-year journey in the country she once called her “second home.” The announcement came during a recent Instagram AMA session, where she shared an emotional video from the airport.
“It Doesn’t Feel Like Home Anymore”
Replying to fans concerned about her status in Mumbai, Mandana expressed the difficulty of the transition while emphasizing the necessity of a fresh start.
“I never could imagine or believe that I could say, but Goodbye India… here it is to new beginnings. New country, new home, new everything.”
Reasons for the Move: Security and Activism
While the move may seem sudden to some, Mandana had previously hinted at her departure in an interview with NDTV earlier this year. Her decision appears to be rooted in several compounding factors:
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Security Concerns: Mandana revealed that she has been facing ongoing security issues, including consistent death threats.
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Activism for Iran: A vocal supporter of the protest movements in Iran, Mandana noted that her public stance and calling out of officials created a “fight” that has lasted for years.
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Lack of Support: The actor shared a sense of isolation, stating she felt unsupported by friends, the media, and the government during her struggles. She remarked, “It doesn’t feel like home here anymore.”
Career Legacy
Mandana Karimi became a household name in India following her stint on Bigg Boss 9 and has appeared in several Bollywood projects. She was last seen in the 2022 Netflix film Thar. Despite the lack of a support system for her activism, she maintained that she would “do it again” for the sake of her people in Iran.
