In the wake of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, renowned Bollywood actor Atul Kulkarni visited the region to show his support and send a message of resilience.
Speaking during his Kashmir visit, Kulkarni described the attack as an “unfortunate and tragic incident” but urged people not to succumb to fear. He emphasised that the bond between Kashmir and the rest of India must not be broken by terror.
Tourism in Kashmir, Kulkarni said, is not just an economic activity; it’s about human connection and the preservation of Kashmiryat — the unique spirit of Kashmir. “We cannot let this progress vanish. We have to stand by Kashmir,” he remarked, highlighting that nearly 90% of bookings for Kashmir tourism had been cancelled following the attack, despite it being the peak season.
Kulkarni, determined to demonstrate his solidarity with Kashmir, took to social media, sharing glimpses of his journey from Mumbai to Srinagar. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he shared images of empty flight seats and his boarding pass, writing, “Mumbai to Srinagar. The crew says they were running full. We need to fill them up again. Chaliye ji, Kashmir chalein.”
Upon arriving in Pahalgam, Kulkarni captured the unusually empty scene of the once-thriving tourist destination, reflecting the impact of the recent attack. Despite this, he reassured his followers of the Valley’s undiminished beauty, posting photos of Kashmir’s serene landscapes — clear blue skies, flowing streams, and peaceful surroundings. Kulkarni also shared photos of local Kashmiris holding placards condemning the attack and proudly waving the Indian flag, symbolising the resilience of the region’s people.
In his ongoing efforts to encourage tourism, Kulkarni urged people not to cancel their vacation plans. “Kashmir is safe, and people here are welcoming and enjoying life,” he said. He emphasised the need for travellers to come to Kashmir and experience its beauty, hospitality, and the spirit of its people. His message resonated with many, as he urged citizens to reject fear and stand in solidarity with the region under the hashtags #ChaloKashmir, #Feet_in_Kashmir, #Kashmiriyat, and #DefeatTerror.
