A video featuring Amitabh Bachchan and former Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan sitting together and listening to legendary singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has recently gone viral on social media. The clip has sparked curiosity among fans, especially about why the Bollywood megastar was seen publicly supporting Imran Khan.
The moment dates back to 1992, when Amitabh Bachchan travelled nearly 7,000 kilometres to London to attend a special event hosted by Imran Khan.
The reason behind Amitabh Bachchan’s support
In 1992, Imran Khan organised a fundraising event in London to raise money for his dream project — a cancer hospital in Pakistan, inspired by the treatment journey of his mother. Amitabh Bachchan attended the event as a guest from India and openly praised Imran Khan’s initiative.
The event was attended by several prominent personalities, and during the programme, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan performed the famous qawwali “Tum Ek Gorakh Dhandha Ho”, with Amitabh Bachchan and Imran Khan seated together, listening attentively.
A warm personal bond
Imran Khan has long shared cordial relations with several Bollywood celebrities, and Amitabh Bachchan was among those who admired his social work beyond cricket. At the London fundraiser, Imran Khan spoke about his vision for accessible cancer treatment, while Amitabh Bachchan lauded the humanitarian effort and extended his moral support.
Invitation to Pakistan
Interestingly, Amitabh Bachchan later revealed that he had once received an invitation to visit Pakistan from Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, former Prime Minister of Pakistan. The invitation mentioned that Amitabh’s mother, Teji Bachchan, was born and raised in Faisalabad (Punjab), and that his visit could help strengthen cultural ties and promote peace between the two nations.
Amitabh Bachchan responded positively, assuring that he would visit whenever circumstances allowed.
More than politics
This episode highlights a time when art, humanity, and compassion crossed borders, with Amitabh Bachchan supporting a cause driven by healthcare and empathy rather than politics. Even today, the 1992 moment stands as a reminder of shared cultural roots and humanitarian connections between India and Pakistan.
