Renowned Indian film actor Atul Kulkarni visited Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, just days after the heinous terrorist attack on April 22. During his visit, he delivered a heartfelt message of solidarity, urging Indians not to abandon Kashmir but instead to strengthen ties through continued support.
Speaking to the media, Kulkarni said, “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, what do we actually do? We post on social media, we talk among friends, but this time I thought: what real action can I take?”
Kulkarni highlighted that after the attack, 90% of hotel bookings in Pahalgam were canceled, despite it being the peak tourist season. Emphasizing the spirit of Kashmiriyat and unity, he urged people to continue visiting the valley:
“The terrorists gave a message: ‘Don’t come here.’ Our response should be, ‘No, we will come. It’s our Kashmir. We will come here, and that too in significant numbers.’”
He appealed to tourists across India, saying, “If you have plans to travel somewhere else, cancel that — come to Kashmir. It’s very safe here.”
Promoting Local Culture and Memories
The actor also shared a video on Instagram where he enjoyed a traditional Kashmiri snack with tea. His post stirred nostalgic emotions among users. One user wrote, “I remember when I used to visit my hometown Jammu. We used to have this for Sunday breakfast. Early mornings, the Kandurwan (bakeries) would prepare fresh bread packed in newspaper bags.”
Explaining the tradition, the user added, “‘Kandur’ means the baker, and ‘Waan’ means the shop. Thank you for bringing back those sweet memories for people like me who are away from home.”
A Befitting Response
Atul Kulkarni’s visit and his message are being hailed as a powerful reply to terrorism — one that emphasizes resilience, unity, and unwavering love for Kashmir.
