MUMBAI/TEHRAN: Iranian-born actress Mandana Karimi, who rose to fame after her stint in Bigg Boss Season 9, has officially announced her decision to leave India and move back to Iran after 16 years. Her emotional departure has sparked a massive debate across the Indian showbiz industry and social media platforms. The actress cited deep emotional distress and a lack of support following recent regional tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran as the primary reasons for her move.
Mandana Karimi claimed that after participating in a protest in Mumbai related to Iranian issues, she faced severe social backlash where many of her close friends allegedly distanced themselves from her. This isolation took a heavy mental toll, and she described the last two months as the “loneliest days” of her life. Despite having a large circle in Mumbai, she felt that no one stood by her during this sensitive time, leading her to feel that India had betrayed her.
Responding to a query about leaving the city, the actress shared a video from the airport with the caption “Goodbye India,” stating she never imagined her journey would end this way. She confirmed that her bags are packed and she is ready to head back to Iran permanently. Karimi highlighted that while she spent nearly two decades building a life in India, the recent geopolitical climate and the lack of empathy from her peers made it impossible for her to continue living in Mumbai, prompting her to finally move on.
