Atul Kulkarni Visits Kashmir: In a strong show of solidarity and resilience, acclaimed actor Atul Kulkarni recently visited Pahalgam, Kashmir, just days after a horrifying terrorist attack shook the region.
His message was loud and clear — “Kashmir is very safe, and we must continue to visit. Humara Kashmir hai, hum ayenge.”
The tragic incident that occurred on April 22 at the beautiful Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam left 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen dead and many others injured.
The attack aimed to spread fear and discourage people from visiting Kashmir, a region that has witnessed a remarkable tourism boom over the past few years.
But Atul Kulkarni’s bold move sends a message of defiance against terror and unwavering support for Kashmir and its people.
A Journey of Courage and Hope
Atul Kulkarni spoke to BBC News Hindi on his way to Pahalgam, sharing his thoughts and emotions.
He acknowledged the tragedy and expressed his deep sorrow over the lives lost. Reflecting on the gravity of the incident, he 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 really do? We post on social media, we talk to our friends, we write something. But this time, I wanted to take real action.”
Atul realized that the real way to respond to such acts of terror was not just by words, but by standing with Kashmiris, by showing up when it mattered the most.
He decided to travel to Kashmir himself, even when 90% of the tourist bookings had been canceled. This cancellation was heartbreaking, especially considering that it is peak tourist season in Kashmir.
“Humara Kashmir Hai” — A Message to Every Indian
Atul Kulkarni’s message to all Indians was simple but powerful:
“Terrorists wanted us to be scared, to stay away. But no, hum nahi darenge. Humara Kashmir hai, aur hum yahan aayenge (We will not be scared. Kashmir is ours, and we will come here).”
He emphasized that the growing bond between mainland India and Kashmir should not be broken. Over the last few years, a sense of renewed connection had been forming through tourism, culture, and human relationships.
If people stopped visiting now, it would be a setback for Kashmiriyat and for the local people who depend heavily on tourism for their livelihood.
Atul strongly appealed to people:
“If you have plans to go elsewhere, cancel them. Come to Kashmir instead. It is very safe here. We must show the world that we are not scared of terror.”
Documenting the Journey
Taking his mission seriously, Atul Kulkarni also documented his journey on Instagram. He posted photos from his flight from Mumbai to Srinagar, highlighting the half-empty aircraft — a sharp contrast to the usual full flights during the tourist season.
In one of his posts, he shared a heartfelt note given to him by the flight crew, thanking him for visiting Kashmir at such a critical time.
“Mumbai to Srinagar. The crew says they were running full earlier. We need to fill them up again. Chaliye ji, Kashmir chalein (Let’s go to Kashmir),” Atul captioned his post.
Upon reaching Pahalgam, he continued sharing glimpses of Kashmir’s breathtaking beauty — clear blue skies, serene rivers, and picturesque landscapes.
He also posted photos of local Kashmiris holding placards condemning the terror attack and proudly waving the Indian National Flag. These powerful visuals reinforced the message that Kashmiris, too, stand against violence and seek peace.
The Spirit of Kashmiriyat
Through his visit, Atul Kulkarni beautifully championed the spirit of Kashmiriyat — the centuries-old ethos of communal harmony, hospitality, and brotherhood that defines Kashmir.
He reminded us that Kashmiris are not to be feared but supported, that their pain is our pain, and their victories are our victories.
Terrorists aim to isolate Kashmir, to create a divide between Kashmir and the rest of India. But gestures like Atul’s show that unity, love, and compassion are far stronger weapons than hatred.
Why We Must Not Cancel Kashmir
By canceling trips to Kashmir, we unwittingly give in to the terrorists’ intentions. Instead, visiting Kashmir now is not just about tourism — it’s a statement of solidarity, a refusal to bow down to fear, and a reaffirmation that Kashmir is an inseparable part of India.
Atul Kulkarni’s brave step should inspire more citizens to come forward and stand with Kashmir. Let us support local businesses, show love to the people, and experience the unparalleled beauty of Kashmir with pride.
