Mandana Karimi plans to leave India for Iran, says joining protests cost her friendships in Mumbai.

Following reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint military strike by the United States and Israel, reactions across Iran have been mixed. In the aftermath, Iran reportedly launched retaliatory strikes across parts of the Middle East. Amid these developments, Iranian-born actor Mandana Karimi, who currently lives in India, has said she plans to leave the country and return to Iran.

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Mandana said she hopes to see a “free Iran” where women have the freedom to make their own choices about education, lifestyle, and clothing. She added that she envisions a country that maintains strong relationships across the Middle East and contributes positively to the region. According to her, if the current regime changes, she would immediately return to Iran.

Mandana also revealed that she is preparing to leave India. She described the decision as emotionally difficult, noting that she arrived in the country at a young age and built her modelling and acting career here. Despite the opportunities and friendships she gained in India, she said she now feels she does not have a voice in the country.

The actor further shared that in recent months she has felt increasingly homesick and isolated in Mumbai. She claimed that after participating in protests against Iran’s current regime and speaking openly about the issue, she lost several friends. While acknowledging that India gave her significant opportunities, Mandana said she now feels it is time to move on and hopes to eventually relocate to Iran.