Actor and artist Lekha Washington came into the spotlight after Mumbai Police detained her and her partner, actor Imran Khan, during a protest at August Kranti Maidan on 10 October.
Police later registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the pair and others over the gathering.
The demonstration supported the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest in Delhi, which called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation amid controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Washington shared updates on social media while police took the group away. After their release, she alleged that officers were preventing them from arranging transport home. She later confirmed that everyone was safe.
According to media reports, the FIR was registered at Gamdevi Police Station under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions relating to disobedience of a public servant’s order, wrongful restraint and unlawful assembly. The filing of an FIR does not establish guilt.
Lekha Washington is an actor, visual artist and product designer known for her work across South Indian cinema and the creative arts.
She studied Fine Arts at Stella Maris College in Chennai before pursuing further studies at the National Institute of Design. Her education included lifestyle product design and film and video communication.
Washington began her career as a model and video jockey before moving into acting. She subsequently explored sculpture, product design and visual art, establishing a career beyond mainstream cinema.
Washington has appeared in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films. Her film credits include Jayamkondaan, Vedam and Va. She also appeared in the Hindi film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, which starred Imran Khan, Anushka Sharma and Pankaj Kapur.
Alongside acting, she has pursued independent creative projects, including product design and art installations.
Washington has explored several creative disciplines, including sculpture, visual art and product design. She has been associated with the design venture Ajji and has worked on large-scale artistic installations.
In 2018, she created an installation representing a second moon for the Burning Man festival. The project reflected her interest in experimental art and immersive creative experiences.
Washington and Imran Khan reportedly grew closer during the Covid-19 lockdown. In a 2024 interview with Filmfare, Imran spoke about their relationship and revealed that they were preparing to move into an apartment together.
The couple later shared glimpses of their relationship on social media. Imran was previously married to Avantika Malik, with whom he shares a daughter, Imara.
Washington has also spoken about the public scrutiny surrounding their relationship, including online criticism and allegations about her role in Imran’s personal life.
