In a powerful gesture of solidarity and resilience, acclaimed actor Atul Kulkarni visited Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, just days after a devastating terrorist attack that killed 26 people, including one Nepali citizen, at Baisaran meadow on April 22. Amid heightened fear and widespread cancellations, Kulkarni has made an impassioned appeal to fellow Indians to not abandon Kashmir in its time of need.
Speaking to BBC News Hindi en route to Pahalgam, Kulkarni described his decision as a response not only to the violence but also to the deeper message it attempted to convey. “What happened on the 22nd was a very tragic incident; this should not have happened. When I read about it, I thought, every time something like this happens, we post on social media, we talk to friends, but what can I do in real action?” said the actor.
Highlighting reports that 90% of bookings in Kashmir had been cancelled despite peak tourist season, Kulkarni emphasized the importance of supporting Kashmir’s economy and spirit. “We need to support Kashmiriyat and the Kashmiri people,” he added.
Atul called the attack a direct attempt by terrorists to sever the growing relationship between Kashmir and the rest of India. “Jo atanwadiyon ne humein message diya ki ‘Yahan mat aaiye’… Toh nahi, hum toh ayenge. Humara Kashmir hai. Hum yahan badi tadaat mein ayenge (Terrorists sent a message saying, ‘Don’t come here.’ No, we will come. This is our Kashmir. We will come in great numbers),” he declared.
Kulkarni urged citizens not to cancel their travel plans to Kashmir, assuring that the region remains safe and welcoming. “If you have decided to travel somewhere, cancel that and come to Kashmir,” he encouraged.
The actor documented his journey from Mumbai to Srinagar on Instagram, sharing images of empty flight seats and his boarding pass. In a caption, he wrote, “Mumbai to Srinagar. The crew says they were running full. We need to fill them up again. Chaliye ji, Kashmir chalein.”
Kulkarni also posted serene photos from Pahalgam—clear blue skies, pristine streams, and smiling locals holding placards that read, “We condemn this attack.” Other images showed residents waving the Indian national flag, reinforcing the message of unity and peace.
He concluded with a poetic post accompanied by hashtags like #ChaloKashmir, #Kashmiriyat, #Love_Compassion, and #DefeatTerror, underlining his message of love over fear.
At a time when fear threatens to overshadow fraternity, Atul Kulkarni’s visit to Kashmir stands as a call to reclaim the narrative — one of resilience, unity, and unwavering belief in peace.
Sources By Agencies
