Anupam Kher `denied visa` for Karachi Literature Festival; Pakistan says actor never applied

Anupam Kher was supposed to attend Karachi Literature Festival on 5th February.

New Delhi: Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, who was to attend the Karachi Literature Festival starting February 5, has been denied visa by Pakistan.

Commenting on the visa issue, Kher expressed his disappointment and said that out of 18 participants 17 were given visa, but he was denied.

"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."

The maverick actor was recently conferred the Padma Bhushan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan High Commission dismissed Kher's claims, saying they have received no visa application from the Indian actor.

Few days ago, the Bollywood actor said, 82 percent people think that Article 370 should be abolished in Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking exclusively to Zee Media, Kher, a Kashmiri Pandit himself, said the benefit of Article 370 is being reaped by separatists only.

Earlier this month, Shiv Sena had demanded cancellation of Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali 's programmes on January 15 and 17 and said it would observe them as 'protest day' across Kerala by holding demonstrations at different places.

Ghulam Ali's concert in Mumbai, which was scheduled to take place on January 29, was cancelled.

This was the second time that Ghulam Ali's concert has been cancelled in the city.

His concerts in Mumbai and Pune were called off in October last year after the Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt his live performance.