Pakistan denies visa to Anupam Kher

Actor Anupam Kher has had to cancel his participation in the Karachi literary festival starting February 5 with the Pakistan government denying him a visa. Kher was one of the 18 Indians invited to the four-day festival by the organisers but he is the only one who has been denied a visa. The other 17 Indian participants have been issued visas.

Kher, who has just been honoured with a Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, was to participate in at least two sessions and his name figured prominently in the festival schedule.

Confirming that he has not been issued a visa, Kher told PTI on Tuesday that he was very saddened by the development as he was looking forward to participating in the festival and using the platform to dispel misunderstandings about India in the minds of people there.

“We welcome their artistes in India. If there are objections to their performance at one place in India they are welcome at other places. But there is no reciprocity,” he said.

As to why his visa has not been issued, Kher said, “I wish I knew. I am wondering if it is because I am a Kashmiri Pandit or because of my views on the tolerance debate in India.” Kher said the visa denial has left the festival organisers embarrassed and they have apologised to him.