Lesser-known facts about BJP veteran LK Advani as he turns 98 News24 –

Former Deputy Prime Minister and veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani turned 98 on November 8, 2025. Party leaders, colleagues, and well-wishers from across the country are extending their best wishes to the senior politician, praising his long-standing contribution to Indian politics and public life. His remarkable journey in politics continues to inspire generations and is admired by all.

Extending birthday greetings to Advani, PM Modi called him a leader blessed with a towering vision and intellect, stating that his life has been dedicated to strengthening India’s progress. “Greetings to Shri LK Advani Ji on his birthday. A statesman blessed with towering vision and intellect, Advani Ji’s life has been dedicated to strengthening India’s progress. He has always embodied the spirit of selfless duty and steadfast principles. His contributions have left an indelible mark on India’s democratic and cultural landscape. May he be blessed with good health and a long life,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Lesser-Known facts about LK Advani

On his birthday, here are some interesting facts about the stalwart leader:

Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi (present-day Pakistan), Advani joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a Swayamsevak in 1942. He played a pivotal role in Indian politics, serving as BJP National President for three separate terms, from 1986 to 1990, 1993 to 1998, and 2004 to 2005. He is the longest-serving president in the party’s history since its inception in 1980. He first served as the Home Minister from 1999 to 2004 and later served as Deputy Prime Minister in the NDA government led by former late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 2002 to 2004. He was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award for his contribution.

Worked as Assistant Editor
Advani joined the Organiser newspaper in 1960. After joining the RSS, he began wearing dhoti kurta. However, as an assistant editor, he found it uncomfortable to wear the attire while working. Fellow journalists objected. As a result, Advani returned to wearing trousers.

Love for films
Advani has a long-standing love for films; he and Atal Bihari Vajpayee would often go to see films together whenever they had free time. Aamir Khan, Madhur Bhandarkar, and other filmmakers often hold special screenings of their films for Advani. He even wrote regular film reviews and as a film critic, contributed for a column called “Netra.”

Fond of chocolates and books
A newspaper called “The Afternoon Despatch and Courier” used to be published in Mumbai. It featured a column called “Twenty Questions,” featuring interviews with politicians. During one such interview, when Advani was asked, “What is your biggest weakness?” Advani replied, “Books and chocolate in general.” His daughter, Pratibha Advani, also revealed in an interview that whenever Advani travels by plane, he always brings back as many toffees as possible and distributes them to everyone at home.

Impressed by Surya Namaskar sculpture at IGI
Advani was particularly delighted by the Surya Namaskar artwork at Terminal 3 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. In a blog post, he praised GMR’s G. Subbarao and the Jaipur-based artist Ayush Kasliwal, who created the sculpture. A long-time admirer of yoga, Advani’s appreciation for the piece reflected his deep connection with the practice.

“Passing through this newly built airport which caters both to domestic as well as foreign services, I was impressed by a beautifully sculpted tableau of the twelve postures which add up to the well known Yoga exercise of Surya Namaskar. The sculptor, I discovered, is one Ayush Kasliwal of Jaipur. Hearty compliments to G. Subba Rao of G.M.R. who must have conceived it, and the artist who has executed it,” Advani wrote in a blog post.

Support for PM Modi
He was deeply troubled by the report from the US Senate that the US had banned PM Modi’s visa. What surprised him more was that Modi had not even applied for a visa. When former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited India in 2008, she met Advani at his home. Advani then raised the issue of PM Modi’s visa with her. Condoleezza immediately asked the officials in person whether this was true. The officials explained that the report was based on a senator’s response.

Liking for Holi
Advani’s house was often listed in Delhi newspapers as a popular place to celebrate Holi, much like RK Studios in Mumbai. Holi was a major festival for Advani since childhood. He would play Holi, sneaking hooks into people’s turbans and blowing them into the air. He was deeply influenced by holi celebration in Brij. His Prithviraj Road bungalow welcomes thousands of people on Holi.