Non-issuance of a visa by the Pakistani government has led to the cancellation of actor Anupam Kher’s participation in the Karachi literary festival starting February 5. Kher was one of the 18 Indians invited to the four-day festival by the organisers but he is the only one whose visa has not been cleared. The other 17 Indian participants have been given visas.
Various media agencies have tweeted quoting Pakistan High Commission sources who insist that Anupam Kher has not even applied for the visa and that he seems to be “unaware of the current process”.
Soon after Kher learned about the Pakistan High Commission’s reply, he sent out a trail of tweets expressing his dismay and disappointment at not being able to visit the Karachi Literature festival.
Confirming that he has not been issued a visa, Kher said 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 in the minds of people.
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.”
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.Anupam Kher
Kher, who has just been honoured with the Padma Bhushan award by the Indian government, was to participate in at least two sessions and his name figured prominently in the festival schedule.
Kher said the visa denial has left the festival organisers embarrassed and they have apologised to him.
He said he would be presenting all documents as proof he didn’t lie about applying for his visa.
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