Iman Esmail, better known by her stage name Imanvi, took to social media last night to address the growing rumours about her heritage, which had intensified following the tragic terrorist attacks in Pahalgam. The rising star, who is set to star alongside Tollywood megastar Prabhas in the upcoming film Fauji, made a bold statement to clear the air about her background, firmly rejecting the false narratives circulating about her family.
In her heartfelt post, Imanvi first extended her condolences to the victims of the Pahalgam attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. She expressed her grief over the loss of innocent lives, writing, “First and foremost, I want to express my sincerest and deepest condolences for the tragic event in Pahalgam. My heart aches for those who lost their loved ones. Any loss of life is devastating, and I strongly condemn these violent acts. I hope for a future where we can come together as one,” she said.
However, the main focus of her post was to address the unfounded rumours about her family’s supposed connections to the Pakistani military. Following the attacks, online trolls began spreading false claims that Imanvi had ties to Pakistan and that her family had military associations. In her statement, she firmly denied these accusations, saying, “I want to set the record straight regarding the lies circulating about my family. No one in my family has ever been, nor is currently, involved with the Pakistani military. These fabricated stories are being spread with the sole intent of inciting hate. It’s especially disheartening to see credible news outlets and journalists repeating these falsehoods without verifying their sources.”
Imanvi, who has built a reputation in the Indian film industry for her remarkable talent, took the opportunity to share more about her personal background. “I am a proud Indian American who speaks multiple languages—Hindi, Telugu, Gujarati, and English. I was born in Los Angeles, California, after my parents immigrated to the United States. After becoming American citizens, I completed my education in the U.S. and pursued a career in the arts, including acting, choreography, and dance. It’s been a great honor to work in Indian cinema, a field that has inspired me, and I hope to contribute to the incredible legacy built by those before me,” she explained.
She also spoke passionately about her Indian identity, saying, “I carry my Indian heritage and culture deeply within me. Through my work, I aim to bridge divides and foster unity.” She ended her post with a message of dedication: “I will continue to work hard to ensure that my heritage and experiences are reflected in my contributions to Indian cinema. Much love, Imanvi.”
Despite her clear denial, Imanvi’s statements didn’t go uncontested. Some critics, including long-time followers, continued to question her claims, accusing her of denying her roots. One user commented, “I remember you used to describe yourself as half-Indian, half-Pakistani, and even mentioned it in your bio. What happened to that?” Another follower stated, “I remember your dance content from when you identified as both Indian and Pakistani. You were proud to represent both countries and the Muslim community. This feels like a change for career purposes, and it’s disappointing.”
On the other hand, Imanvi’s supporters, including a strong fanbase from Prabhas’ followers, rallied to her defense. “Prabhas fans stand by you!” one fan wrote, while others echoed their support, saying, “Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Can’t wait to see you in Fauji alongside Prabhas.”
Fauji, the historical drama directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Set in the 1940s, the film is an alternate history story about a warrior rising from the shadows to confront buried injustices. In addition to Prabhas and Imanvi, the film also features Mithun Chakraborty and Jaya Prada in pivotal roles. Despite the controversy, the film’s producers have yet to comment on the ongoing dispute.
Imanvi’s clarity in the face of adversity has only reinforced her dedication to her art and heritage, and it seems she will continue to focus on her journey, undeterred by the noise surrounding her.
