Bal Thackeray Wanted to Expel Dilip Kumar Over Pakistan Honor; Actor Spoke to Nawaz Sharif During Kargil War

Legendary Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar, celebrated for his timeless contributions to Hindi cinema, once found himself at the center of a political controversy. When he was awarded Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, his recognition sparked nationwide debate, with Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray openly opposing it.

The controversy traces back to the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. At that time, Dilip Kumar reportedly took proactive steps to promote peace, even speaking directly to then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to express concern over escalating tensions. Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri later revealed during his 2015 visit to India that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had included Dilip Kumar in a call to Sharif regarding the conflict. During the conversation, Dilip Kumar reportedly expressed disappointment at Pakistan’s actions and emphasized the vulnerability felt by Indian Muslims amid cross-border tensions.

According to accounts, Dilip Kumar told Nawaz Sharif, “As an Indian Muslim, I want to inform you that during periods of conflict between India and Pakistan, Indian Muslims feel highly insecure and often find it difficult to even step outside their homes. I urge you to take steps to stabilize the situation.” His intervention reportedly helped calm the situation temporarily, though hostilities continued for three months.

The recognition from Pakistan in 1998 further fueled controversy in India. Bal Thackeray and his Shiv Sena party strongly opposed the award, suggesting that Dilip Kumar should return it or even leave India for Pakistan. In response, Dilip Kumar expressed his dismay in an interview with NDTV, saying, “Shiv Sena and its leaders asked me to return the award, and if I did not, I should leave the country and go back to Pakistan. I feel such statements are irresponsible and hurtful. They wound one’s self-respect and evoke a sense of injustice and anger.”

Despite the backlash, Dilip Kumar remained committed to his homeland and his principles. Vaibhav Purandhare, in his book Bal Thackeray aur Shiv Sena ka Uday, quoted Thackeray as saying, “Even though he has spent decades here, Dilip Kumar’s loyalties have shifted,” highlighting the tensions that arose between the actor and the political leader.

Dilip Kumar’s life and career remain a testament not only to his cinematic legacy but also to his courage in standing by his convictions during turbulent times.