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India has been very generous in granting visas to Pakistani artists: Anupam Kher

India has been very generous in granting visas to Pakistani artists: Anupam Kher

In an exclusive chat with Dawn, Anupam Kher reveals: "I am always ready to visit Pakistan."
Updated 03 Feb, 2016

Yesterday thoughts of literary exchange took a backseat to high drama as actor Anupam Kher appeared to have been denied a visa for entry into Pakistan, where he'd been invited to participate in the Karachi Literature Festival.

With the literature festival only a few days away (it begins on February 5) Kher took to Twitter to express his disappointment and followed this up with a press conference explaining his stance. The press conference became relevant because while Kher claimed his visa was denied, Pakistani officials stated they had never received a visa application from the actor.

Read more: Kher claims he’s been denied Pakistan visa

Speaking to Dawn, KLF's organisers and Pakistani officials painted different pictures of the scenario -- but however this decision came to pass, it ultimately yields only one result: Anupam Kher will not be coming to Pakistan to attend the Karachi Literature Festival. Attempts have since been made by Pakistani officials to rectify this issue but to no avail:

Meanwhile, the issue has escalated in India, with some calling on other Indian attendees at KLF to either boycott the festival or at the very least use it as a platform to express their disappointment about Kher's absence. Though Nandita Das and Barkha Dutt, among others, are still expected to attend KLF, Kher's publisher Ashok Chopra has said he will not be attending out of solidarity.

We spoke to Anupam Kher to get his own take on the issue. Here, he discusses what he hoped to achieve at KLF, his views on Pak-India relations and also, Aamir Khan.


1) We were looking forward to hearing you speak at the Karachi Literature Festival. Can you speculate on why your visa to Pakistan did not come through? Pakistani officials state you never applied for a visa, how would you refute this claim?

Anupam Kher: I cannot speculate on why I was not granted a visa. But I can definitely state that the Pakistan High Commission’s statement is an untruth.

The fact is that the Indian invitees to the Karachi Literary Festival did not have to apply for visas. Only when the organisers were given the NOC from the Interior Ministry of Pakistan were we supposed to send our passports across to the High Commission for the visa to be issued. Factually speaking, not even one of the other 17 invitees in the delegation did apply for a visa either.

2) In a statement you made online you mentioned that Pakistani authorities may have rejected your visa for two reasons: that they didn’t want you to spread ‘India's rich tradition of tolerance’ or that they were afraid you’d ‘expose Pak’s terror nexus’. Could you elaborate?

Anupam Kher: In the absence of any reason being given by the Pakistani authorities, I can only conjecture.

I certainly don’t have the resources to ‘expose’ anyone’s terror nexus but I have maintained that Pakistan too was a victim of terrorism. In fact, when the massacre of school children took place in Peshawar in 2014, I wrote an open letter to the terrorists which was widely appreciated in your country.

3) What’s your view on the visa policy and restrictions between India and Pakistan – especially for artists? How many actors do you know or have you heard of who’ve been unable to attend cross border events because of visa problems?

Anupam Kher: I believe that at least for artists, which includes practitioners of all the arts, there should be no visa restrictions.

I would also like to broaden the ambit to have an easy visa policy for genuine tourists as I firmly believe that we should have greater and freer civilian contacts. In fact, such contacts will help create a positive force on both sides to solve all our disputes.

But sadly, all such issues are dealt with on a reciprocal basis. So while India, for example, has granted liberal trade terms to Pakistan, Pakistan has not granted India the Most Favoured Nation trade status, despite having announced it years ago.

Anupam Kher was a boisterous presence at the recently held Jaipur Literature Festival - Photograph by Himanshu Vyas/Hindustan Times
Anupam Kher was a boisterous presence at the recently held Jaipur Literature Festival - Photograph by Himanshu Vyas/Hindustan Times

4) Many actors working between India and Pakistan these days are of the view that art and politics must stand apart. You're vocal on both subjects, so perhaps you don’t feel the same way. Could you explain your stance?

Anupam Kher: Ideally, the Arts and politics should share different spaces, but it is rare that they don’t get intertwined. Let me explain the strange dichotomy.

I believe that artists should be freely allowed to perform in both countries but if the political ties are frayed, then the environment to host them gets compromised. Also terrorist attacks, like the recent one in Pathankot, or 26/11, muddy the waters. All such incidents create less than conducive environments for exchange of artists and civilians to flourish.

Having said that, let me emphasise that India has been very generous in according visas and work permits to Pakistani artists. Many actors have starred in our movies and many of your famous ustads such as Ghulam Ali, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan have lent their voices too and have huge fan followings in India. We have even accorded citizenship on Adnan Sami who has carved out a great career in India.

5) You recently said you were hesitant to publicly say you were Hindu in India because people might label you as having extreme views. Many saw this as a U-turn on your statements about Aamir Khan, where you criticised him for calling India intolerant. Where do you stand on this now?

Anupam Kher: In India, when one identifies oneself as a Hindu, the pseudo-secularists feel it is being regressive. So the majority community is wary of expressing religiosity. But we have never been critical of the Muslims expressing their religious faith.

On the contrary, we have been very supportive of them in all spheres. Our super stars are Muslims. Our cricket captains have been Muslims. We have had two Muslim Presidents, chiefs of the Air Force have been Muslims and even our current vice-president is a Muslim.

I honestly do not think I will ever see a Hindu as the President or Prime Minister of Pakistan. In the case of Aamir Khan, he was the brand ambassador of the Incredible India campaign. And so I feel he should have been more responsible in his utterances. In any case, he has now withdrawn his statement on intolerance.

6) If you had made it to Karachi you would be speaking in a session titled ‘Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai,’ which is ironic in light of this visa issue. Can you give us some insight into what you were planning to discuss with Ashok Chopra during this talk?

Anupam Kher: I was planning to speak on my motto, ‘Kuchh Bhi Ho Sakta Hai’ in a very positive way.

If I, the son of a humble clerk in the forest department can become a successful actor, then kuchh bhi ho sakta hai!

I was planning to speak on hope, on faith, on how art transcends borders, about how we with a common culture are separated by an artificial divide, about how we can forget the past and forge a future. I was going to speak of our commonalities, our heritage and not our divisions. I was going to tell your people of the wonderful experiences I have had with Pakistanis around the world… about how every Pakistani cabbie has never charged me any fare in the US, Canada and in the United Kingdom! Sadly, that will not come to pass now…

7) Apart from this talk, what were you hoping to gain and exchange with Pakistani actors, writers and attendees at the Karachi Literature Festival?

Anupam Kher: I was planning to meet members of the Pakistan Film TV Journalists Association who were hosting me, as well as writers and actors of the industry in Karachi. There were many things I wanted to learn from them, share their experiences so that I would return enriched. Above all, I wanted to partake of the legendary hospitality of your country and take back warm memories.

8) If you were granted a visa in the future – would you still be glad to visit Pakistan?

Anupam Kher: Inshallah, I am always ready to visit Pakistan!

Comments

Arslan Feb 03, 2016 02:07pm
He got the publicity he wanted, that's it.
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DJ Feb 03, 2016 02:10pm
I think he got a contract to defame pakistan as its revealed by Pakistan consulate In India that he never applied for Pakistani visa,who ever applied to attend the the program in Karachi was granted visas.
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Ashok Kumar Maurya Feb 03, 2016 02:24pm
Pakistan should respect Indian "artist"
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Raja Farhat Abbas Feb 03, 2016 02:24pm
This Gentleman is making a mountain out of a Mole hill . He slanders Pakistan in his tweets and acts like he has done nothing wrong, just amazing.
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Sajjad Syed Feb 03, 2016 02:25pm
Recently indian embassy in Pakistan has 'delayed' visas of high school kids who plan to visit India to play a football match. The intolerance is mind boggling on both sides.
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faryal Feb 03, 2016 02:26pm
that's very nyc!
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salam khan Feb 03, 2016 02:26pm
He should be given a visa to visit Pakistan. But when he says Pakistani artists are allowed in India, can he explain why is Ghulam Ali not allowed to perform in most parts of India? Why BJP goons wouldn't let Pak cricket team to visit India? Every Indian visiting Pakistan has been welcomed with open arms, but Pakistanis are afraid to go there for fear of being physically harmed.
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faryal Feb 03, 2016 02:26pm
Pakistan also welcomes all the people from anywhere!
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Ironman Feb 03, 2016 02:26pm
Karachi has a Literature Festival?
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Abdullah Masood Feb 03, 2016 02:27pm
Mr Anupam Kher; What happened to Ghulam Ali and Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri after granting visa?
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Kashif Feb 03, 2016 02:30pm
If the claim by Mr. Kher is true, its sad. Pakistan should give him a visa.
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Qamar Valliani Feb 03, 2016 02:33pm
Yes, India is generous in issuing visas only, but when the artists want to perform, India does not allow them to perform through Shiv Sena, RSS, etc etc.
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ahmad Feb 03, 2016 02:34pm
We will have to agree on this...
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SGN Feb 03, 2016 02:36pm
@Abdullah Masood .... the key word is 'after they were granted a visa' ...... duhhh
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chango Feb 03, 2016 02:46pm
@Abdullah Masood :they were not denied visa. were they?
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irfan khan Feb 03, 2016 02:54pm
@Abdullah Masood bhai Ghulam ali sahab is currently in india and blessing ppl here with his devine voice. your artist are earning more from bollywood than in pakistan. so stay factual while loving your own country. thanks
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Khalid Feb 03, 2016 03:00pm
Why didn't Pakistan issue him a visa?. He is a well known person in Pakistan and I can not believe Pakistan has a logical and valid reason for doing so. They should call him, apologise and issue him a visa.
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Indian Feb 03, 2016 03:02pm
@Arslan , he doesn't need publicity. mind it
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Volunteer Feb 03, 2016 03:02pm
@Arslan : Publicity for what. He is already famous actor.
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R.Kannan Feb 03, 2016 03:05pm
If Pakistan does not want Anupam Kher to visit Pakistan, it is their choice. I do not know why a mountain is being made of this molehill.
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M.Saeed Feb 03, 2016 03:05pm
Pakistan's High Commissioner to India, Mr. Abdul Basit had himself called him and offered visa but he refused. This is a clear case of crafted insult by ensuring late submission of his visa papers and then talking all the nonsense. He should be permanently black-listed from visiting Pakistan even in future.
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ali Feb 03, 2016 03:10pm
he didnt apply for a visa. donno what he is complaining about.
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M.Saeed Feb 03, 2016 03:10pm
@irfan khan : Khan Bhai, read the refusal to visa reply of Kher to Pakistani H.C Mr. Basit above, who went out of his way to call him to get his visa. He thanked him saying he had already given those dates to others. How simple to eat your cake and have it?
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Dipshekhar Feb 03, 2016 03:11pm
AnuPM just wants publicity, that's it !
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sks Feb 03, 2016 03:11pm
@Raja Farhat Abbas - Click this link and read and watch video of your PHC, what he is telling. http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/anupam-kher-rejects-visa-offer-by-pak-envoy-abdul-basit_1851812.html
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Taimoor Khan Feb 03, 2016 03:12pm
You have got anti-Pakistan mind set and you were treated accordingly. That is as fair as it can be.
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sks Feb 03, 2016 03:14pm
@Sajjad Syed Delayed visa, not decline to give visa
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Ali Mehdi Feb 03, 2016 03:14pm
don't worry anupam there's always a next time.
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BRIJ Feb 03, 2016 03:16pm
@Arslan Who gave him that publicity?
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AW Feb 03, 2016 03:18pm
I always held Anupam Kher as a great person and as an outstanding actor. I have somewhat lost respect for him due to his recent outrage against Amir Khan and now his reaction to the visa issues.
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Irfan UK Feb 03, 2016 03:21pm
@Kashif Yes Pakistan should give all artists visa because that is the way they will see for themselves how welcoming Pakistani people are but the Artists must apply for a visa in the first place to actually be granted one. I used to be a big fan of Anupam but I really don't like him anymore because he is turning into a politician rather then a brilliant actor.
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Confused Feb 03, 2016 03:22pm
The headline says, "India has been very generous in granting visas to Pakistani artists: Anupam Kher", Well, of the top of head I can remember Ghulam Ali.
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Being Indian Feb 03, 2016 03:28pm
There is no doubt that Anupam Kher is an well known actor and he has all right to say if anything hurts him as he stays in free country. And if any politics is involve then i think this issue should be taken seriously. and if not then i dont care.
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Salim Langra Feb 03, 2016 03:30pm
He is a famous actor ( and with political connotations lately..) Hence his displeasure is noted and discussed in the main stream media. Visa denial otherwise is nothing new for the common man. Just learn to live with it Anupam,
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Chirag Patel Feb 03, 2016 03:31pm
Anupam a true kashmiri and an Indian
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The Wrong Right Feb 03, 2016 03:32pm
He is such a superb actor, there is no questioning his talent. I have always loved his acting . But sad to see that in person he is so arrogant and condescending! As much as I wish for open and free people to people exchanges and movement across the border. I really no longer care much for Mr. Kher's visit to Pakistan.
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Angry Pitbull Feb 03, 2016 03:39pm
@Sajjad Syed Adnan sami visited India on tourist but he got Indian citizenship. There en number of pakistani celebrities got Indian visa for example Fawad Khan. Ali Zafar. Mikaal Zulfiqar. Imran Abbas. Mahira khan. Mawra hocane. Humaima Malik. Sara Loren. Meera. Veena malik. Atif aslam.......list goes on endlessly
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Raja Farhat Abbas Feb 03, 2016 03:43pm
@sks Thank you for the link,
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Pakistani Feb 03, 2016 03:45pm
Yes IPL is very good example of India being generous.
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Nomi Feb 03, 2016 03:45pm
a publicity stunt, still we welcome all genres. I suggest to grant him Visa so that he could see how Pakistan is, I m sure he would remember our hospitality and vibrant culture. Pakistan is beautiful and peaceful. of course if you don't watch biased news channels.
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Faisal Feb 03, 2016 03:50pm
@Ashok Kumar Maurya My friend please, there are rules and regulations, its not about india or Pakistan, its about rules, how can you get visa, when you didn't applied for it, can you please explain the logic.
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M.Saeed Feb 03, 2016 03:52pm
@Volunteer : Pakistan bashing for all the senseless reasons is a big publicity boosting trick in India!
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tariq Feb 03, 2016 03:54pm
mr. kher should be given a visa to visit pakistan by pak high commissioner in new delhi even if his stance and utterances are against or anti pakistan. mr. kher poses no threat, either physical or in a manner of thought, to the security pakistan.
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Iman Feb 03, 2016 03:58pm
@Abdullah Masood Ghulam ali performed in bengal and other places
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Iman Feb 03, 2016 04:00pm
Here I have to agree! India is generous even at giving Citizenships to Pakistanis!
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Kemariwala Feb 03, 2016 04:02pm
@Ironman, sure, but it takes one to know one. Comment not well taken.
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Tashu Feb 03, 2016 04:04pm
@ali no one from the 18 people delegation applied for visa cant you read.
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Abdul Wahab Vazeer Feb 03, 2016 04:12pm
Many actors working between India and Pakistan these days are of the view that art and politics must stand apart. But what about the sports . NO IPL for Pakistani cricketers , BCCI attitute with the PCB staff . It's all drama from the Indian side .
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Adnan Feb 03, 2016 04:20pm
@Ashok Kumar Maurya We respect Indian artists but Mr.Kher should speak the truth.In past many Indian artists have visited Pakistan but we didn't heard something like this.
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Hasan Feb 03, 2016 04:20pm
The organizers of Karachi literary festival are responsible for this mess. They tried to invite such a personality who is bashing Pakistan for a longer time now. The role of KLF in this debacle is not commendable.
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Jawad U Rahman Feb 03, 2016 04:25pm
Does Mr. Kher know about the fact that his tolerant India denies visas to ALL US and UK citizens born in Pakistan, forcing them to apply on their non-existent Pakistani passports.
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jakoji Feb 03, 2016 04:26pm
And, he is right!!!
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sandeep Feb 03, 2016 04:32pm
@Faisal please read the article and then comment
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Ali Feb 03, 2016 04:40pm
Sir we respect you and your acting, because we have seen your lots of movie in which lots of laughter and that's the reason we all give you respect. As long as visa is concerned we do hope that our government would give you visa and we welcome you here in Pakistan.
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KaKa Feb 03, 2016 04:41pm
Visas are given to let Pakistanis players and artists come. So people like you and other parties disrespect them and make them leave under life threats.
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Steve Boston Feb 03, 2016 04:42pm
@DJ Please read the story, 17 which were granted visa did not apply either.
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Steve Boston Feb 03, 2016 04:44pm
@salam khan That is not factually correct. Only in Mumbai they protested against him. He did perform the other two concerts. Please check the facts.
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Nomz Feb 03, 2016 04:45pm
@Angry Pitbull dude the Pakistani artists that you mentioned do not bash India and concentrate on their art alone. Unlike your Anupum Kher who has a political background of a hardliner Hindutwa Party BJP.
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Indian Feb 03, 2016 04:52pm
This guy is only looking for publicity these days.
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M. Ahmed Feb 03, 2016 05:04pm
All this for a simple declining of visa?!? No opportunity is wasted
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Sid Feb 03, 2016 05:05pm
@Taimoor Khan Sir....Rahat fateh ali khan was cought with un accounted money. Do you remember what happened next?
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John Feb 03, 2016 05:10pm
@Confused Was Ghulam Ali not granted visa ? Or did he himself prefer not to come ? You are really confused mate :)
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Vaibhav singh Feb 03, 2016 05:11pm
I dont know anupam sir apply or not .. But .. Now new war start .. Visa rejections... Ready for more vise rejections news from both side .. !!
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Akil Akhtar Feb 03, 2016 05:14pm
It is up to Pakistan to decide who gets the visa....
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Anon Feb 03, 2016 05:28pm
And how come you guys didnt bring up IPL?
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The Wrong Right Feb 03, 2016 05:30pm
@Angry Pitbull And there is an equally long list of Indians who have visited Pakistan... But if you are trying to prove that India has shown great hospitality, you will probably have to rethink that..Considering how the guys you've listed have been welcomed by extremists BJP supporters.
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JATT Feb 03, 2016 05:40pm
@Hasan Agree with you totally.
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khan Feb 03, 2016 05:49pm
We dont need your visit !
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sceptic Feb 03, 2016 05:51pm
get over it baldy
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khan Feb 03, 2016 05:54pm
@Ashok Kumar Maurya . You earn respect ! You dont just buy it !
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M.Saeed Feb 03, 2016 05:55pm
The proud Kher replied to the Pakistani HC: "Thank you Mr. @abasitpak1 for your call & offering me visa to visit Karachi. I appreciate it. Unfortunately i've given away those dates now". Pathetic !
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GA Feb 03, 2016 06:00pm
Mr. Kher has bashed Pakistan in his tweets. What will India do if Pak artists bash India?
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Azhar Hussain Feb 03, 2016 06:22pm
@irfan khan You are right, but also understand that because of these artist your industry is also making hell of money so is not one sided like you Indian would have everyone believe. Its not like you have comparable talented singers and you guys are giving Pakistanis a chance. If you think this is the reason, then that's a biggest lie.
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MA Feb 03, 2016 06:25pm
@Khalid He did NOT apply one !
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Taimoor Khan Feb 03, 2016 06:40pm
@Sid Rahat or any other artist from Pakistan visiting India never openly expressed anti-India attitude or behaviour. If someone in India think that they can get away talking non sense against Pakistan and get away with it, it will be their wishful thinking. Remember Saif Ali Khan?
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Khan Feb 03, 2016 06:43pm
Anupam Kher, buddy this is our country, and we will grant visa to whom we want!!!! simple.
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Raj Patel Feb 03, 2016 06:44pm
Now a days, celebs are on making fuss about anything..
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Indian Feb 03, 2016 06:47pm
How can so many Pakistani artist are getting Indian visa??
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Truth Feb 03, 2016 06:50pm
@Arslan He doesn't need any more publicity...he is well known both in India and abroad....its the loss of KLF and Pak, not his.
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Truth Feb 03, 2016 06:51pm
@DJ Man...read the details before you comment. NO NEED TO APPLY FOR VISA UNLESS YOU ARE GIVEN AN NOC.....
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syed shahzad bukhari Feb 03, 2016 07:21pm
If legends like Kher are not issued visa then how we can build friendship with our neighbors.
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ROHIT PANDEY Feb 03, 2016 08:06pm
This visa "war" will continue unabated till issues between the two countries are resolved. Nothing much can be done about it, I guess?
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Udaya Bose Feb 03, 2016 08:23pm
"Unfortunately i've given away those dates now." Hmm... is Anupam Kher really all that busy?
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A. Ghilzai Feb 03, 2016 08:39pm
What kind of peace he wants to promote that he so easily gets intimidated by not getting a visa one time. This shows how deep the rivers of so called peace and friendship flow in India. If he is really interested in peace instead of asking other to boycott he should offer to attend the festival over via video !! Where there is a will there is a way else there are thousand excuses.
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rs Feb 03, 2016 08:39pm
Granting or rejecting visa is purely the prerogative of Pakistan.
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Abdulla Hussain Feb 03, 2016 08:46pm
"India has been very generous in granting visas to Pakistani artists: Anupam Kher" I think he should correct his record. nice artist I like him.
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Still Curious Feb 03, 2016 08:51pm
Mr. Kher, India has had 3 not two Muslim presidents. Dr. Zakir Hussain, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and Dr. Kalam. You must get your facts right before you speak to the media.
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Philosopher (from Japan) Feb 03, 2016 08:57pm
Really??? When it happened??
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Gul Hasan Feb 03, 2016 09:05pm
Overall India is not as generous to Pakistan as you say in so many aspects that it is unbelievable.
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Desi Feb 03, 2016 09:07pm
@Confused : He was given visa by Govt of India. His show was opposed by some people here. Did you not get the difference in both cases?
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Naveed Feb 03, 2016 09:09pm
I think there is no problem to grant the visa, he had not applied for it even...
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Hasan Feb 03, 2016 09:32pm
All the Indians think he was denied visa is pathetic. Other Indians are also attending and Mr. Kher has visited Pakistan before as well. Pooja Bhatt recently visited Pakistan and many more artists do come "unofficially" as Indians start to bash them with 'Unpatriotic' label. That's the irony. However, Mr. Kher didn't apply this time or else he would have been granted. Pakistanis welcome Indians with open hearts but it's the Indians that have a problem. Even if an Indian actor shows some soft corner for Pakistan, that's it , BJP and RSS grills them!
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SKG Feb 03, 2016 09:32pm
@Arslan He is not a new comer. He has been working so many years in film industry. He does not need any publicity.
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shabut Feb 03, 2016 09:32pm
This interview is a complete U-Turn from what he has been tweeting earlier.
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SKG Feb 03, 2016 09:34pm
@Abdullah Masood Can you count how many times Gulam Ali have performed in India last so many years. Did his Visa was refused any time.
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Dev Feb 03, 2016 09:48pm
I find this very surprising and sometimes even amusing, while we can get a visa to any other country, getting visa to Pakistan is very difficult. I believe the same applies to Pakistanis for a visa to India. I would have liked to visit Pakistan with my family, but that seems a distant dream at the moment.
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Art changes everything PK Feb 03, 2016 09:49pm
He may get a visa in future hopefully, but least said sooner mended and if he goes on and on about it disgracing Pakistan then surely he will not get vIsa.
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Art changes everything PK Feb 03, 2016 10:07pm
@Dev You're most welcome Dev, Things change like seasons , like relations, like time. It maybe difficult to get visa at present because of many issues but hopefully one day these borders will be meaningless.
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Uzair Feb 03, 2016 10:21pm
Got his 20 seconds of fame I guess? Add 20 seconds for criticizing Amir Khan to that and we get a grand total of 40 second. He's really going for the 1-minute target!
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Syed Nazim Feb 03, 2016 10:28pm
Is granting of visa to artists more important than granting visa to divided families persons, many of them are now very old. (Conditions for filling forms are very hard to comply and time consuming)Pakistani girls married to Indians are not granted Indian nationality even after fifteen years. Is it not human rights violation. Artists on both sides do not speak strongly on these issues.
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Syed qadri Feb 03, 2016 10:31pm
Mr. Kher, try to be what you are rather than trying to policitised the issue.
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Yash Feb 03, 2016 10:49pm
Brilliant answers by Anupamji!! Specially answer no.5!!
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Ali Feb 03, 2016 10:50pm
I used to genuinely like this person's character and personality. Reading this news makes me feel like he is not what he appears to be in movies. He is actually arrogant and little extremist like his wife. Not fond of him anymore
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Javed Feb 03, 2016 10:55pm
He will make it difficult for Pakistani artists to get into Bollywood. He has strong political connections and views. I would not be surprised if Pakistani artists start seeing cancellation of their projects.
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Ailly Feb 04, 2016 12:20am
you should have not spoken anti PAKISTAN sentiments.... nevertheless, we will be generous again and grant you a visa... apply again.
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Frankenstein Feb 04, 2016 12:47am
First the question that he was not invited because he would preach the so called tolerance of India is not a valid reason Pakistan would deny him a visa but Pak could have denied visa over the intolerance Kher showed when his fellow indians returned their Awards. Secondly as a sovereign state Pak has the right to not to give visa to a certain person. Had Pak been so anti India they would not have granted visas to other 17 and the other guys are not Pakistani patriots either.
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Imran Quraishi Feb 04, 2016 01:15am
Auntie Nandita got it and he didn't. I guess women have more rights in Pakistan.
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Jawwad Feb 04, 2016 01:30am
Mr. Kher. Take it up with the Pakistan Government. The Pakistan people did invite you to come and be part of the group. However, in case of India, the Indian people are busy putting soot on faces, burning effigies ad what not. So, please get the perspective straight. India/Pakistan are two faces of same coin.
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Asif Feb 04, 2016 02:38am
It's unfortunate for Pakistan that they will miss a great artist like anupan khair who is Indian Hindu ready to visit Karachi to make the function successful despite keeping his security on toss..
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Sachin Feb 04, 2016 04:44am
We stand firmly and solidly wuth Anupam Kher. He is stating the facts.
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Wasi Feb 04, 2016 04:55am
This want to highlight this issue and make a case against Pakistan artist working in India.
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AXH Feb 04, 2016 05:03am
"I am always ready to visit Pakistan", however, I don't need the visa now as I have already given away those dates. Makes not much sense. If Mr. Kher are always ready to visit Pakistan then he could have accepted the visa offer and visited at some later date.
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Tamilselvan Feb 04, 2016 05:20am
@Khalid Sorry your official apologized and issued the visa but he declined the invitation as it was too late and he had already set aside his time for other appointments. it was everyones' loss
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Syed Feb 04, 2016 05:26am
I don't know how much good u r in acting but a friendly idea is politics is. not for u.
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Yash Feb 04, 2016 05:26am
@salam khan Visa and performing are two different things. Please do not confuse the subject in question.
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Syed Feb 04, 2016 05:37am
@Desi Yes, that was a case of tolerance.
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Speak true Feb 04, 2016 05:46am
Anupam Kher Pak HC says you did not applied, show the Visa receipt No.. If you are right . Otherwise plz don't seek cheap publicity.
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AliPasha(USA) Feb 04, 2016 07:17am
Anupam Kher is absolutely lying.How can he enter Pakistan without applying for a visa.That stands for all Indians and vice versa for all Pakistanis to enter India.
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Azhar Hussain Feb 04, 2016 07:26am
@Indian Because none of them bash India, they come make money and you guys also make hell of lot money. It works both ways buddy
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Anwar Feb 04, 2016 07:44am
What is the big fuss about? If you don't get visa it means you are not welcome.
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Hasan Feb 04, 2016 08:34am
India has been very generous in granting visas to Pakistani artists: Anupam Kher. Please comment on what they do with those Pakistani artists afterwards when they are in India.
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Salman Feb 04, 2016 08:41am
India doesn't do any favor by granting visa to the Pakistani artists. Its all done from a commercial perspective as Indian organizers earn huge amount of money in shows that include Pakistani artists. Its the talent of our people that has made it all possible for them and giving a favor to a Pakistani would surely be the last thing that Modi govt will even think about.
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Hasan Feb 04, 2016 08:56am
@Desi True, Indian government granted visa. "Some people" were against him performing. What did Indian Government do to those people? If the government grants a visa to anyone, they are responsible for his safety too.
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Ali Feb 04, 2016 09:32am
It is beyond my comprehension that why did we decide to invite such artists from India. I am referring to the statements which were given by Mr. Kher recently when the tolerance level of the Indian society were questioned by the very people of India. Once such statement was, where he was referring to the most prominent Indian Muslims artists, that if they don't like it then they should go to Pakistan. He is entitled to his opinions and I respect that my issue is with the organisers of the festival in Karachi that out of thousands of literary people in India they could only think of Anupam Kher. Go figure!!
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Ali Feb 04, 2016 09:51am
@AW That is strange thing to say
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Rahat Feb 04, 2016 10:10am
Though he is seen as a fanatic by many but visa should have been granted to him. Unlike India, It doesn't make any difference to us.
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atheist Feb 04, 2016 10:28am
Veteran actress sabana azmi supported the anupam kher for not granting visa to anupam kher.he slammed Pakistan government stand for it.
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Hasan Feb 04, 2016 10:30am
There must be a reason for not granting him the visa, and the reason I think is clear from his words and his thoughts about Pakistan, His slandering tone is depicting his intentions. Because Pakistan authorities have never been a hindrance to the spread of art and literature .. for confirmation ask Naseer Uddin Shah, Om puri and many other Indian artists who have visited Pakistan time and often.
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MBH Feb 04, 2016 10:41am
All the well known TV/Film artists, well known sports persons, well known journalists, doctors and university professors of both countries should be exempted from the visa. And this exemption should not be limited to one or two cities.They should be able to roam around wherever they need to go in the country. They need to apply once for exemption and should be exempted from visa for the rest of their lives until some does it something illegal or becomes a threat to national security.
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Ashok Saigal Feb 04, 2016 10:42am
It seems someone triggered the whole thing by calling up the organizers and telling them Anupam Kher would not be granted a visa. And they believed the call. A very unnecessary controversy. It is now clear he never applied for a Visa (for whatever reason), so how could he be granted or denied one? The Pakistan High Commissioner went out of his way to phone him and assure him that if he applied for one, it would be granted "within hours". But such incidents can only flourish in the regrettable atmosphere of mutual suspicion, and mischievous elements take advantage of it. We must build a mutual feeling of trust and faith in the other.
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Decent Feb 04, 2016 10:52am
kHER is a great artist, intellectual and human being. He must be given full honor if Pakistaan wants him to attend event.
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Islamic Thekedar Feb 04, 2016 11:27am
Now KLF message is overshadowed by this episode.
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Fandom Beyond the Borders Feb 04, 2016 11:35am
Mr.Kher is a good artist and very popular in Pakistan for his excellent acting skills. This is unfortunate and I think it was an unnecessary controversy. In my opinion both India and Pakistan should relax their visa rules for the artists travelling from across the boarder for personal, educational, or performance related activities. And of course, an artists of his caliber should be given multiple entry visa so that they might not have any difficulty in travelling to the other side of the boarder.
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Bin Adam Feb 04, 2016 11:55am
Mr. Anupam Kher is regarded by the art loving people of Pakistan as one of the top legends of Indian Film Industry who have great respect and appreciation for him. The online comments of some ignorants , which happens from both sides, does not portray the true sentiments of arts loving and sensible educated gentry. As for I understand no artist could be exempted of visa application. But if others been granted visas without visa application and only he was refused then the visa approving authority, to the best of my knowledge, will face the consequence the sooner matter is brought to the knowledge of the PM Nawaz Sharif who has always believed and efforted in restoration of friendly relation between both the neighbors.
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Hidayatullah Feb 04, 2016 12:01pm
Anupam Kher is a loved personality in Pakistan. Pakistanis would welcome him with open hearts and wide arms. If Pakistani High Commission explains that he did not apply for a visa, let us accept this as a message that he is welcome if he applies for one. A Pakistani singer was denied entry because he tried entry from an airport that Pakistanis are not supposed to enter through. He had to change flight. The same way Anupam Kher should apply for a visa the way acceptable to Pakistani High Commission and visit his friends that are in millions.
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Soulspeek Feb 04, 2016 12:15pm
I think that as Indians, we should introspect ourselves too. We too denied Ghulam Ahmed etc to perform in India. Instead of denying Visas, some of our extremists make sure that they do not perform here.
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sanjay Feb 04, 2016 12:48pm
What's India going to gain from Pakistan? Nothing. So Anupam Kher should not be disappointed.
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Taimoor Khan Feb 04, 2016 03:51pm
Question should be raised to organizers as well. Why did they invite someone at first place who happen to hold anti-Pakistan sentiments? I am sure there is no dearth of Pakistan loving people in India.
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pakka indian Feb 04, 2016 06:34pm
@Arslan He is Superstar sir ji....
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pakka indian Feb 04, 2016 06:35pm
No Visa exchange at all.. Both party stay in perform for their country
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imtiaz faruqui Feb 05, 2016 02:44am
Mr. Anpun Kher is a great actor ,and have fans all over Pakistan , his serious and comedy roles are so lovable , he has a very plesant personality, he puts life in his Movies, Its so sad about the Visa affair as an Artist I apologise to him. From USA
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boobie Feb 05, 2016 05:56am
have any of the Pakistani artists who have been denied visas to India or treated in a disrespectful manner ever complained about their denied visas so publicly and and in such a vicious manner?
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Sumit Feb 06, 2016 08:00am
@salam khan But he was allowed to visit and perform in India..
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Sumit Feb 06, 2016 08:02am
@Confused Don't be confused. Gulam Ali was never denied visa. He is a regular visitor and performer in India.
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Sara Feb 09, 2016 12:16pm
How ironic that hes demanding indian artists be respected while the party he supports humiliates the pakistani artists coming to india. This is coz his party is after mahira khans life. Mahira is very popular not only in pakistan but over 32 countries due to her dramas shown dubbed abroad. She is a pakistani ambassador if you mess with princess of pakistan you wont be treated fair she has die hard fans. You did not speak for rights of artists when india was humiliating pakistani actors mister hypocrite kher. Plus no one likes you. Try to be more like om puri. He has opinions but he speaks in a diplomatic way.
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anon Feb 09, 2016 10:56pm
@Soulspeek India never denied visa tp Pak artistes.
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