In a heartwarming gesture of cultural diplomacy, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan expressed his hope to visit Pakistan with his children, responding to an invitation from former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar. An old video from a past public event recently resurfaced on social media, reigniting conversations about people-to-people connections between India and Pakistan.
During the interaction, Khar invited the global icon to visit Peshawar, noting his immense popularity among Pakistani audiences. Responding with warmth and optimism, Khan revealed that his family originally hails from Peshawar, where some relatives still reside. He fondly recalled visiting the city with his late father during his teenage years, describing those moments as among the most treasured of his life.
Khan shared that his father, Taj Mohammad Khan, took him to Peshawar when he was fifteen or sixteen years old. He visited again the following year, and shortly after that visit, his father passed away. These experiences left an indelible mark on the actor, who described the time spent with his father in Peshawar and Swat as particularly meaningful. He also mentioned having traveled to other Pakistani cities, including Lahore and Karachi.
In his response, Khan expressed his wish to bring his children to Pakistan one day so they could experience the place that shaped his early life and understand their ancestral roots. The actor emphasized his hope that relations between the two nations would become friendlier and more family-like, allowing for greater cultural exchanges.
The video has attracted widespread attention across social media platforms, with fans from both countries celebrating Khan’s remarks. Many viewed his potential visit as a symbol of peace and hope, demonstrating how art and culture can transcend political boundaries. Pakistani fans expressed their enthusiasm, with some writing messages of welcome and noting that Khan’s ancestral roots in Peshawar make him deeply connected to the region.
Khan’s family connection to Peshawar runs deep, with relatives still living in the historic Qissa Khwani area, famous for its centuries-old cultural heritage, traditional tea houses, and rich storytelling tradition. This exchange highlights the enduring affection for Indian cinema in Pakistan and underscores the potential for cultural diplomacy to build bridges between the two nations despite ongoing political tensions.
