The new Netflix series 'Operation White Ocean' is gaining popularity among viewers. The series, which depicts the events of the 1999 Kargil conflict from the perspective of the Indian Air Force, begins several months before the war started. The plot reaches the period when then-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee arrived in Lahore at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to initiate peace between the two countries.
Vajpayee's trip was historically significant. He traveled from Delhi to Lahore on a special bus, and many famous personalities also came with him to Pakistan, including the legendary Indian film actor Deb Anand. However, a unique aspect was that Nawaz Sharif himself wanted Deb Anand to come to Pakistan as well.
In the series 'Operation White Ocean', Vinay Patak played the role of Nawaz Sharif. In one scene, he speaks with Deb Anand about their meeting and his affection for him. This scene shown on screen was not fictional; in real life, Nawaz Sharif was a great admirer of Deb Anand.
It is worth noting that Deb Anand, who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with films such as 'Guide', 'Jewel Thief', 'CID', 'Taxi Driver', and 'Johnny Mera Naam', was born near Lahore. He also studied at the City College Lahore. Before the partition, he moved to Mumbai, and he only got the opportunity to return to his hometown in 1999.
According to journalist Punnya Prasun Bajpai, it was Nawaz Sharif who asked Vajpayee to take Deb Anand with him. In an article published in 2024, Punnya Prasun Bajpai mentioned this story. It is recounted that just one day before leaving for Pakistan, Vajpayee called the actor to inform him of his trip.
He told the actor to prepare for the next day. That some officials would come to his home. To Delhi. And not to forget to take his passport. He needed to travel with him to Lahore. There are many admirers of him in your neighboring country.
Essentially, Vajpayee asked Nawaz Sharif what he wanted from him from India. In response, Nawaz allegedly said that if possible, Deb Anand should be taken along. This request paved the way for Deb Anand's historic trip to Lahore.
Deb Anand stated that he came to unite the two countries in this manner. Deb Anand's first meeting with Nawaz Sharif was also very interesting. In an Er report, Nawaz Sharif recalled this meeting, saying that as soon as the bus arrived at Wagah, Deb Anand got out of the bus and immediately approached him, and they hugged. After that, Deb Anand took the hands of both Nawaz Sharif and Vajpayee, and Vajpayee, bringing them closer, said: 'I have come to unite the two countries in this way.'
Nawaz Sharif recalled Deb Anand's energy and enthusiasm, noting that he possessed the energy of a young man even back then. Deb Anand, who arrived in Lahore with Vajpayee, visited the Lahore Fort and his old college, City College. According to Nawaz, Deb Anand was very emotional at the time. He repeatedly said that he had come to his city. He wanted to make films here. For him, it was not just a trip to Pakistan, but a return to the city where memories of his childhood and studies were connected.
The meeting between Deb Anand and Nawaz Sharif subsequently blossomed into a long friendship. Even after Nawaz Sharif went into exile in Jeddah after 1999, Deb Anand maintained contact with him and inquired about his well-being.
After Deb Anand's death in 2011, Nawaz Sharif revealed that Deb Anand had called him to meet and check on his condition. They also met in London. Nawaz mentioned that they once walked together in Hyde Park. Nawaz said that meeting Deb Anand was a dream come true for him, and he loved the actor very much.
After Deb Anand's passing, Nawaz Sharif reported that the last conversation with the actor took place about two years prior. In this conversation, Deb Anand gave him a promise. He said: 'I will come to Pakistan to meet you, Nawaz,' but Deb Anand's promise was never fulfilled. With his death in 2011, this meeting remained unfinished forever.
