Indian actress Lekha Washington recently shared her thoughts on being labeled a “homewrecker” in the media and how she handled the public scrutiny surrounding her relationship with actor Imran Khan. She emphasized that such labels did not define her and that she focused on her work instead of the negative attention.

Lekha recalled, “Since I was 16, I have been called all kinds of names growing up in Chennai and later. Labels like ‘sl*t’ and ‘homewrecker’ are often used to diminish and control women. They don’t define me, and I refuse to shrink myself to fit someone else’s need to cut me down. People who use these labels don’t know the reality.”

The Kalyana Samayal Saadham actress explained that her focus remained on her career. “I prefer to put my energy into original work. If people first reduce me to my proximity to a man, it reflects more about them than about me,” she added.

Imran supported Lekha early in their relationship, defending her against such criticisms. “There’s this narrative of Lekha being a homewrecker, which frustrates me. It is not only misogynistic but also takes away my agency as an individual,” he said.

Reflecting on their bond, Lekha said, “I am deeply in love with him. We constantly learn and grow together. There are disagreements, but we show genuine willingness to evolve. It is a mature, grounded relationship.”

Both families were involved in their journey. The Jayam Kondaan actress noted, “Our families are part of the journey too, and there is a child in the picture, which adds meaning and layers to our relationship.”

On the work front, Imran made his Bollywood comeback with a cameo in Vir Das’s Happy Patel and a Netflix romantic drama, Adhure Hum Adhure Tum, opposite Bhumi Pednekar.