Iranian actor and model Mandana Karimi has decided to leave Mumbai after spending nearly 16 years in India, a country she once proudly called her “second home.” The actress, known for films like Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3, Roy, and her appearance on Bigg Boss 9, recently opened up about her emotional decision and revealed that staying in India no longer feels the same for her.
Mandana Karimi talks about leaving India
Mandana shared that the choice to move away was not sudden, but the result of years of emotional exhaustion, isolation, and growing security concerns. According to her, the atmosphere around her changed after she became vocal about political and humanitarian issues related to Iran. The actress has actively spoken against the Iranian regime and participated in protests supporting women’s rights in her homeland.
While speaking about her journey, Mandana admitted that India once gave her hope, opportunities, and a sense of belonging. She built her career here, made friends, and created a life in Mumbai despite facing struggles in her early years. In previous interviews, she had also recalled being homeless for a short period during her initial days in the city and described how difficult survival in Mumbai could be for outsiders trying to establish themselves.
However, over time, she began feeling disconnected and emotionally unsafe. Mandana explained that after speaking openly about sensitive issues, she experienced backlash, trolling, and a loss of support from people around her. She said the country that once felt welcoming no longer feels like home. Despite this, she clarified that she remains grateful for everything India gave her and still considers it an important chapter of her life.
Mandana Karimi calls India her second home
The actress has also gradually stepped away from the entertainment industry in recent years. Earlier, she revealed that acting was never her true passion and that she had shifted her focus toward interior design and academics. She admitted that although Bollywood brought her fame, she now finds greater satisfaction in a quieter and more meaningful life outside films.
Mandana’s farewell to Mumbai marks the end of a significant phase in her life, one filled with success, controversy, struggle, and personal transformation. Even as she prepares to move on, she says India will always remain her “second home.”