Mandana Karimi on moving back to Iran amid conflict: India has betrayed me in a way

Iranian-origin actor Mandana Karimi has been vocal about the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. She recently confessed about her decision to leave India and move to Iran as soon as the regime changes. The actor also admitted to feeling "betrayed by India" after she protested against the Iranian government.

Karimi, in an interview with Bollywood Hungama, said she is looking forward to moving to a different kind of Iran – one which has several opportunities for women. The actor, known for her participation in the reality show Bigg Boss 9, added that the moment Iran becomes more independent for women, she would happily shift back to the country.

The 37-year-old also highlighted Iran's potential of becoming a nation that "builds the Middle East". She said, "What I see for Iran is a free Iran where women can do whatever they want, wear whatever they want, whatever university they want to go to and study. I see Iran, which has a great relationship with the Middle East, and that we are not a threat to people. But we are a nation that builds the Middle East. The moment they announce that this regime is gone, I will go."

Karimi went on to reveal that despite all the love that she received from



India, she has "packed her bags" to leave the country. The actor said she feels voiceless in India.

"Anyway, my bags are packed, and I am leaving India as well. That is the plan because I feel I am breaking up with India. It is very difficult for me because I came to India when I was really young. India has given me everything: my modelling career, my acting career, the love that I got, and the friends that I have. But I feel I don't have a voice in India," she explained.

The actor also revealed that she lost many friends in Mumbai after she spoke against the Iranian regime. Karimi added while Mumbai, the city where she worked, never made her feel "lonely," she feels India "has betrayed" her now.

"I feel India has betrayed me in a way. India has given me what it was supposed to give, and now it's time to move on, and hopefully I am going to move to Iran," she said.

She had earlier addressed the US-Iran conflict, calling Iran's current regime "a cancerous cell in the Middle East." The actor highlighted the persistent nature of the struggle for change, explaining how the unrest has become a defining aspect of life for many Iranians both inside and outside the country.