Actor and artist Lekha Washington has firmly responded to online trolls who labelled her relationship with Imran Khan as “love jihad,” calling out the reductive mindset behind such remarks and defending the multicultural, inclusive values she and her partner share.
The controversy began after Lekha attended the premiere of Happy Patel: Khatarnaak Jasoos with Imran last month. The screening marked Imran Khan’s return to the big screen in a cameo appearance after nearly a decade away from films. While many fans were excited to see the couple together, sections of social media were quick to target their interfaith relationship with inflammatory comments.
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Breaking her silence, Lekha addressed the issue through a candid Instagram reel. With characteristic wit and composure, she pointed out the irony in the accusations. “Love Jihad — apparently it is being done to me,” she said, before describing her own richly diverse background. She explained that she is part Burmese, Italian and Punjabi, raised in South India and later moved to North India, with a father who is Roman Catholic but agnostic.
She further highlighted the diversity within Imran Khan’s family, noting that his father is part Hindu and part Scottish, while his mother is Muslim. “So I am like, ‘Do na love jihad,’ and I say, ‘No, no. Instead, I make lights,’” she quipped, underlining the absurdity of the narrative being pushed online.
Lekha emphasised that both her family and Imran’s are open-minded, respectful and multicultural. “My own family is open, multi-hyphenate and respectful of all, as is my partner’s family,” she said. She described herself as “deeply humbled” to witness how inclusive, creative and kind people from different backgrounds can support each other beautifully.
Beyond addressing the communal angle, Lekha also spoke about a larger issue — being defined solely by her relationship rather than her independent achievements. She shared that it feels strange to be reduced to “the nearest man,” especially after carving out a long and self-made career.
“To reduce any woman to the nearest man is a limiting part of the society we function in,” she said. Lekha revealed that she had spent a decade working as a lead actor before stepping away from mainstream cinema due to what she described as excessive misogyny. She then dedicated another decade to building a successful art practice, allowing her financial and intellectual independence.
Her message extended beyond personal defence to a broader commentary on how women are often judged first by their appearance or personal relationships before their professional identity. “When other people say nasty, reductive things to you, it says a lot more about them than it does about you,” she stated. “Haters are going to hate, lovers have to love.”
Imran Khan, who was previously married to Avantika Malik, separated from her in 2019 due to irreconcilable differences. The former couple continue to co-parent their 10-year-old daughter, Imara. Imran has been open about how love and emotional support have helped him grow and heal in recent years.
In an earlier interview, he spoke about finding strength through love — from both his daughter and Lekha. He described the experience as empowering and crucial to his well-being and personal growth.
Since 2020, Imran and Lekha have maintained a relatively low-profile relationship, occasionally appearing together at public events. Despite facing online criticism, Lekha’s recent statement makes it clear that she refuses to let trolls define her life or identity.
Her response has been widely praised for its clarity and confidence, turning a moment of negativity into a powerful assertion of individuality, inclusivity and self-worth.
