Unperturbed by speculations about his future, Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani spent an eventful evening in the company of admirers and friends to mark his birthday.
Pratiba Advani, his daughter, organised a maiden screening of her documentary tracing the Bollywood’s depiction of the parent-child relationship as a tribute to Advani, who turned 82.
A rendering of old Hindi film songs, some of Advani’s favourites, was also organised, which left him quite emotional. “Those who love me a lot have made this day very special,” he said.
The day’s highlight was Karnataka BJP leaders including Chief Minister B.S. Yeddurappa who turned up to assure him that the crisis in the state had been resolved.
Meanwhile, RSS leader Ram Madhav issued a statement to deny a earlier comment attributed to him that Advani would quit his post by February.
President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were among the first to wish him on the occasion.