During a press conference, the actor cited KLF organizer Amina Sayeed as blaming the Pakistan High Commission for denying him Pakistan visa.
He claimed that his visa documents were ready for last 15 days. “I was probably the only actor from Bollywood who wrote an open letter condemning attack on Peshawar school,” he added.
I salute Amina ji, the organizer of Karachi lit fest, she categorically blamed Pakistan High Commission-Anupam Kher
— ANI (@ANI_news) February 2, 2016
I did not personally ask for a visa, the organizers of Karachi Literature Festival did-Anupam Kher pic.twitter.com/0o74Gcym1d
— ANI (@ANI_news) February 2, 2016
I was probably the only actor from Bollywood who wrote an open letter condemning attack on Peshawar school-Anupam Kher
— ANI (@ANI_news) February 2, 2016
The organizer of the Karachi lit fest said that Govt officials told her that don’t invite Anupam Kher.I don’t know why-Anupam Kher
— ANI (@ANI_news) February 2, 2016
Bollywood superstar Anupam Kher made headlines when it was announced he would be participating in Karachi’s Literature Festival, commencing on the 5th of February. Anupam Kher was among other notable Indians who were enlisted as speakers for the KLF event.
Will be presenting all proofs/documents to prove Pakistan High Commission’s Lie that i didn’t apply for visa. Press Con at 5.30 in my school
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016
However, Anupam Kher claimed Pakistani authorities had denied him visa and he was the only one who had to face such a predicament, while 17 others did not.
I feel bad for all those people who were looking forward to meet me in Pakistan and vice versa. Sorry to them. Hopefully one day … — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016
Pakistani officials claim that the veteran actor had not even applied for a visa. “He has not submitted a visa application. Please check from him if he has any receipt,” Pakistan High Commission spokesperson Manzoor Ali Memon told reporters.
Didn’t Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs red flag my name to Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi? Why hide facts deliberately?
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016
Has my visa been denied because I speak about India’s rich tradition of tolerance or I am a Kashmiri Pandit who may expose Pak terror nexus? — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016
“I am very sad and disappointed that out of 18 participants, 17 were given visa and I was denied,” he said.
Anupam was supposed to speak at a session on February 5th at the Karachi Literature Festival. Barkha Dutt, Nandita Das and ex-Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid were also confirmed speakers at the event.
