‘If India Is So Great, Why Live In Dubai?’ Raj Thackeray’s Dig At Vivek Oberoi And R. Madhavan

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has stirred fresh political debate after questioning Bollywood actors Vivek Oberoi and R. Madhavan over their decision to live in Dubai while publicly praising India’s growth and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The remarks, made during a public event in Mumbai, have quickly gone viral, drawing sharp reactions from both political observers and social media users.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary programme of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena, the student wing of the MNS, Thackeray questioned what he described as a contradiction between words and actions.

“If India has progressed so much and everything is going well, then why are people choosing to settle abroad?” he asked, before naming Vivek Oberoi and R. Madhavan.

Taking aim at Oberoi, who portrayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2019 biopic PM Narendra Modi, Thackeray said the actor now lives in Dubai despite frequently expressing admiration for the Prime Minister. He then referred to Madhavan, asking why someone who often speaks proudly about India would choose to raise his family outside the country.

The MNS chief expanded his criticism beyond the film industry, claiming that several industrialists and wealthy Indians have also moved overseas while continuing to praise the country’s development. According to him, if people genuinely believe India offers the best opportunities, they should have enough confidence to live and build their future here.

His comments came during a speech that also touched upon the recent controversy surrounding abusive slogans allegedly raised against Prime Minister Modi during protests linked to the CJP movement. While condemning the use of offensive language against the Prime Minister, Thackeray said political disagreements should never cross the line into personal abuse. At the same time, he argued that the same standard should apply to BJP supporters when speaking about opposition leaders.

Why R. Madhavan Shifted to Dubai

Raj Thackeray’s remarks have also brought renewed attention to R. Madhavan’s reasons for relocating to Dubai.

The actor has previously explained that the move was made primarily for his son Vedaant Madhavan’s swimming career. During the COVID-19 period, Dubai offered better access to world class training facilities, international competitions and uninterrupted coaching, making it a practical choice for the family.

Madhavan has repeatedly maintained that the decision had nothing to do with politics or a lack of faith in India. In several interviews, he has said he continues to pay taxes in India, spends a significant amount of time working in the country and considers himself “an Indian first.”

Vivek Oberoi’s Dubai Base

Vivek Oberoi has also been living in Dubai in recent years while maintaining business interests in both India and the UAE. Apart from acting, he has invested heavily in the real estate sector and has often described Dubai as a convenient base for his family and entrepreneurial ventures.

Despite living overseas, Oberoi continues to travel to India for film projects, business meetings and public appearances.

No Response From Either Actor

As of Sunday evening, neither Vivek Oberoi nor R. Madhavan had publicly reacted to Raj Thackeray’s comments. There has also been no official statement from their respective teams.

Thackeray’s remarks have nevertheless reignited a familiar debate over whether successful Indians who choose to live abroad can continue to position themselves as strong advocates of India’s progress. While supporters of the MNS chief argue that his questions are legitimate, others believe where a person chooses to live is a personal decision influenced by family, business and professional commitments rather than patriotism alone.

With no response yet from either actor, the controversy is likely to remain a talking point in both political and entertainment circles over the coming days.

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