Anupam Kher says Pakistan denied him a visa; High Commission says he didn't apply

Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher has been denied a visa by Pakistan to attend the Karachi Literature Festival on 5 February.

Kher has been invited by the organisers of the literary festival in Karachi as one of their guests.

Speaking to ANI, Kher expressed his disappointment, saying, "I am very sad and disappointed. Out of 18 participants, 17 were given a visa and I was denied."

The actor also took to Twitter to express his disappointment.

"Delay is the deadliest form of denial.":)

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016

However, the Pakistan High Commission has responded saying they have received no Visa application from Anupam Kher.

This is not the first time that Kher has been denied visa to Pakistan. Earlier in May 2015, he was denied visa when he was invited by an NGO for an event in Lahore.

The Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) was launched in March 2010. Founded by Ameena Saiyid and Asif Farrukhi and produced by Oxford University Press, it brings together authors writing in diverse languages and genres. This year it is scheduled to be held on 5 - 7 February at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi, Pakistan. 

Anupam Kher, who has been in the eye of controversy, was awarded the Padma Bhushan recently and also locked horns with Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor. 

The veteran Bollywood actor had also said in a recent TV interview that he was scared of openly proclaiming that he is a Hindu these days.