Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has questioned actors Vivek Oberoi and R Madhavan over their decision to live in Dubai while publicly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government’s development work in India.
Speaking at an event organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena in Mumbai on Saturday, Thackeray asked why people who believe India is progressing under the Modi government would choose to settle abroad with their families. His remarks have triggered a fresh debate around patriotism, public endorsements of the government and the personal choices of celebrities.
Thackeray specifically referred to Vivek Oberoi, who produced and starred as Narendra Modi in the 2019 biographical film PM Narendra Modi. He also mentioned R Madhavan, who has publicly praised the Prime Minister’s work and spoken about efforts to bring industries and investment to India.
“If they love India and the prime minister, if they believe that the PM is doing development, why do they live in Dubai with their families?” Thackeray asked.
The MNS chief went further, alleging that the two actors work in government-sponsored films before returning to Dubai. He also used the issue to question a wider trend of wealthy Indians and businessmen choosing to move overseas.
Thackeray claimed that thousands of businessmen have left India in recent years. His larger argument was that the decision by successful Indians to establish themselves abroad raises questions about the confidence they have in the country’s economic and social environment.
The comments were made in the context of a wider political attack on the Centre. Thackeray has increasingly used public events to question the Narendra Modi government while also commenting on issues surrounding Maharashtra and national politics.
The remarks about the two actors, however, have a personal dimension. Both Oberoi and Madhavan have previously spoken about their connections to Dubai and explained why they moved there.
Madhavan has said that his family relocated to Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly because of his son’s swimming career. His son Vedaant is a competitive swimmer, and the actor has previously spoken about the training opportunities available there.
Oberoi, meanwhile, has spoken about his business interests in the United Arab Emirates. He has described Dubai as an important base for his entrepreneurial activities and has maintained a strong connection with the UAE. A recent interview also highlighted his sense of belonging to the country.
Neither actor’s decision to live in Dubai necessarily means they have withdrawn from India professionally. Both continue to have significant links with the Indian film industry. Oberoi has worked on projects connected with Indian cinema and has business interests, while Madhavan continues to act in Hindi and Tamil films.
Thackeray’s criticism therefore touches on a larger and increasingly familiar question: does living abroad conflict with publicly expressing pride in India or supporting the country’s political leadership?
For celebrities, the question can be particularly sensitive because their public statements reach millions of people. Supporters may see their praise for India’s growth as a personal opinion that does not require them to live permanently in the country. Critics, on the other hand, may argue that public endorsement of India’s development should be accompanied by greater participation in the country’s economic and social life.
The controversy also comes at a time when Dubai has become an increasingly popular destination for wealthy Indians, entrepreneurs, professionals and celebrities. The UAE offers a major business hub, international connectivity and an attractive environment for global entrepreneurs. For many Indians, moving to Dubai is therefore driven by business, family, education or lifestyle considerations rather than a rejection of India.
Thackeray also spoke about criticism directed at PM Modi during recent protests in Delhi. He said the language used against the Prime Minister was inappropriate and agreed with Modi’s appeal that people making such remarks should be guided rather than simply condemned.
At the same time, Thackeray criticised BJP supporters and alleged that party-linked troll networks have themselves used derogatory language against political opponents and public figures. He argued that abusive political discourse should be discouraged regardless of who is responsible for it.
The remarks on Oberoi and Madhavan have consequently become part of a broader political conversation rather than simply a dispute involving two Bollywood actors. They bring together questions about India’s development, celebrity endorsements, Dubai-based Indian celebrities, migration of wealthy Indians and political loyalty.
Oberoi’s portrayal of Modi and Madhavan’s public praise for the Prime Minister have placed both actors in the spotlight, while their residence in Dubai has now become the basis of a pointed political attack.
For now, there has been no reported direct response from either Oberoi or Madhavan to Thackeray’s latest remarks.
