Raj Thackeray slams actors for living abroad, praises Modi

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has sharply criticized Bollywood actors Vivek Oberoi and R. Madhavan for residing abroad while publicly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's development under his leadership. Thackeray made the remarks on Saturday, August 1, while addressing a youth gathering in Mumbai marking the 20th anniversary of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena.

Speaking at the event, Thackeray questioned the actors' decision to live in Dubai with their families. He specifically cited Oberoi, who portrayed Modi in the 2019 biopic "PM Narendra Modi," and Madhavan, who has frequently commended the prime minister's work. "If they love India so much, if they love PM Modi, and if they believe PM Modi is developing India, then why are they living in a foreign land? Why are they living in Dubai with their families?" Thackeray asked the gathering.

The MNS leader alleged that such celebrities primarily return to India to work on what he described as government-sponsored film projects, such as "Dhurandhar," before returning to their homes overseas. He linked this pattern to a broader economic trend, claiming the government has acknowledged in...