Actor Atul Kulkarni traveled to Pahalgam shortly after a terrorist attack occurred in the area. In an interview with BBC News Hindi, he remarked that the attack was a warning from terrorists aimed at discouraging people from visiting Kashmir. Nevertheless, he asserted that Indians would continue to travel there, stating, “Kashmir is ours,” and urged the public not to cancel their trips to the region.
Reflecting on the tragic incident that took place on April 22, Atul expressed his sorrow and contemplated how he could respond through meaningful action. He shared, “What happened on the 22nd was a very tragic incident; this should not have happened. When I read about it, I thought that every time something like this occurs, we post on social media and discuss it with friends. But then I asked myself, what can I actually do in real action? I learned that 90% of the bookings here had been canceled, even though it’s peak season. We need to support Kashmiriyat and the Kashmiri people.”
Emphasizing the importance of tourism in Kashmir, Atul insisted that it’s our duty not to abandon the Valley. He stated, “So many people were coming here in the last couple of years. If we suddenly stop visiting, it disrupts the connection between the mainland and Kashmir. The terrorists want to send us a message: ‘Don’t come here.’ But no, we will come; Kashmir is ours, and we will come in large numbers. I request people not to cancel their bookings. Come here; it’s very safe. If you have plans to travel elsewhere, consider coming to Kashmir instead.”Atul previously shared a series of photos on Instagram documenting his journey from Mumbai to Srinagar. He posted images of empty seats on his flight, his boarding pass, and a heartfelt note from the flight crew. Alongside the pictures, he wrote, “These flights used to be packed… We need to fill them again! We must defeat terror… Let’s go to Kashmir.”
He also shared a photo from Pahalgam, capturing the serene beauty of Kashmir—clear skies, flowing streams, and tranquil landscapes. He included images of local Kashmiris holding placards that read “We condemn this attack” and others proudly waving the Indian national flag.
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