While reports that Atal Bihari Vajpayee made legend actor Dilip Kumar talk to Nawaz Sharif in a bid to broker peace got a mixed response, the popularity and appeal of the veteran on both sides of the border cannot be denied. Dilip Kumar with Kasuri | Source: India TV News

The effect that an iconic personality can have has been disclosed by former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, whose book has recently sparked off a lot of controversy.

Kasuri said that Dilip Kumar visited Pakistan secretly on two occasions, with a view to bring "Hindus and Muslims together", as reported by The Indian Express. Kasuri said that "he (Dilip Kumar) is one guy who can bring India and Pakistan together."


The politician turned author's visited Dilip Kumar's residence amidst high security, following his visit to Mani Bhavan and Jinnah House as a tribute to Gandhi and Jinnah.

Although the influence of cultural icons on both sides is a positive initiative towards peace, a lot needs to be done to even obtain some measure of success.