Bal Thackeray to Dilip Kumar: 'Go to Pakistan'; PM Vajpayee Defended Actor
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News18•17-01-2026, 18:04
Bal Thackeray to Dilip Kumar: 'Go to Pakistan'; PM Vajpayee Defended Actor
- •In 1998, Dilip Kumar received Pakistan's highest civilian honor, Nishan-e-Imtiaz, leading to a rift with Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray.
- •Bal Thackeray publicly advised Dilip Kumar to leave India and go to Pakistan, questioning his loyalty.
- •Deeply hurt, Dilip Kumar expressed his pain, stating he had to prove his loyalty after 65 years in India.
- •Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee intervened, asking Dilip Kumar to keep the honor, recognizing his role as an artist beyond political boundaries.
- •During the 1999 Kargil War, Dilip Kumar, at Vajpayee's request, spoke to Pakistan's PM Nawaz Sharif, highlighting the insecurity of Indian Muslims.
Why It Matters: Dilip Kumar faced loyalty questions from Bal Thackeray over a Pakistani award, but PM Vajpayee defended him.
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