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Iranian actor and model Mandana Karimi has announced her decision to leave India after living in the country for nearly 16 years, citing personal and emotional reasons.
Karimi, who gained popularity after appearing in Bigg Boss, shared the update during a recent question-and-answer session on Instagram.
Responding to a fan’s question about leaving Mumbai, the actor said she never imagined saying goodbye to India in this way.
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According to Indian media reports, Karimi moved from Iran at the age of 18 to pursue a career in acting and modelling. She later established herself in India’s entertainment industry and became a recognised face in reality television and Bollywood.
16 साल बाद 37 साल की ईरानी एक्ट्रेस ने छोड़ा भारत, जानें पूरी वजह#Iran | #India https://t.co/oQZFHVFPFj
— NDTV India (@ndtvindia) May 12, 2026
In her social media interaction, Karimi described the move as emotionally difficult, saying India had become her second home after spending more than a decade and a half there.
She said leaving the country marks the beginning of a completely new chapter in her life, though she did not reveal where she plans to relocate.
Karimi has also previously spoken about her inability to return to Iran. In an earlier statement shared in March, she said restrictions imposed on her about a decade ago prevent her from going back.
The actor said the situation has left her feeling emotionally isolated, as she no longer sees Iran as an available option and now plans to move on from India as well.
Karimi also noted that she has not worked in films for the past six years, describing it as a personal decision to step away from acting projects.
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She said her focus in recent years has shifted away from films, while maintaining a connection to developments related to her home country.
Her announcement has drawn reactions from fans on social media, many expressing surprise over her departure and wishing her well for the future.
Karimi remains known in India for her appearances in films, modelling assignments and reality television projects throughout her career.