In Indian history, the days of August 14 and 15 cannot be easily forgotten by people of Pakistan and India. Millions of people had to flee across borders for safety. Every year on August 15, Indians all over the world celebrate its Independence Day, the day that commemorates the end of 190 years of British rule in India
Due to communal violence and tension, people crossed over from both sides. Here’s a list of famous people who were born in Pakistan but made India their home. Let’s take a look.
1. LK Advani
Former leader LK Advani was one of the senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who began his political career at the age of 14. He joined as a volunteer of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) in 1941. He served as the seventh Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004 and was awarded India’s second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan in 2015. Advani was born on 8 November, 1927, in Karachi which is now part of Pakistan.
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2. Dilip Kumar
Dilip Kumar’s contribution to Indian cinema is what will always make him irreplaceable. As an actor, his contribution to Indian cinema is unquestionable. Dilip Kumar’s original name was Mohammed Yusuf Khan. He was born on December 11, 1922, the fourth of 12 children in Peshawar which is now in Pakistan. Dilip Kumar did superhit films like Jugnu, Shaheed, Andaz, Jogan, Daag, Aan, Devdas, Naya Daur and Mughal-e-Azam.
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3. Milkha Singh
Milkha Singh, who was also known as the Flying Sikh, was a legendary sprinter Milkha Singh and one of most respected figures in Indian sports history. He was born on November 20, 1929, in Govindpura which is now in Pakistan. Milkha, a four-time Asian Games gold medalist, had also won the gold medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games. His best performance, however, was at the 1960 Rome Olympics in which he finished fourth in the 400m final.
4. Bhagat Singh
Fearless, selfless and revolutionary, these words alone won’t be enough to sum up the greatness of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, but they will at least do justice to his character. Singh played a prominent role in India’s freedom movement. Bhagat Singh was given the death penalty by the British and died young. His actions inspired the youth of the nation to fight for the nation’s freedom. Bhagat Singh was born on September 28, 1907, in Banga which is now in Pakistan.
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5. Raj Kapoor
Raj Kapoor will always remain one of the greatest showman of Indian cinema. His films spoke about love, life, and the struggles of a common man. Despite living a lavish life, his films spoke of the reality and the real suffering of every Indian. His films such as Boot Polish, Shree 420, Jagte Raho or Anari, are an entire library of filmmaking in themselves. Raj Kapoor was born on December 14, 1924, in Peshawar, Pakistan.
6. Manmohan Singh
Indian economist and politician Manmohan Singh served as the 13th Prime Minister of India for two terms. He is credited with saving the country from the brink of a full-blown economic crisis in 1991 by outlining structural reforms to revive the country’s economy. Under his leadership, the crisis was averted successfully and India was back on track to become the fastest-growing economy in the world market. He was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, West Punjab, in what is today Pakistan.
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7. Vinod Khanna
Vinod Khanna was a silver screen sensation and among the highest-paid Hindi actors from 1987-1994. He was one of the biggest stars in Bollywood who appeared in more than 141 films, and he’s known for his best performances in films like Amar Akbar Anthony, Dabbang franchise, Qurbani, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Imitihaan. Vinod Khanna was born on 6 October, 1946, to a business family in Peshawar which is now in Pakistan.