Latest news with #AtulKulkarni
Hindustan Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ashoke Pandit on Atul Kulkarni's visit to Pahalgam after terror attack: ‘I asked him not to talk about such issues on…'
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has reacted to actor Atul Kulkarni's recent visit to Kashmir following the ghastly terror attack that took place in the Pahalgam region earlier this month. Atul Kulkarni's visit was intended to encourage people to continue visiting the region to support its tourism industry. (Also Read | Atul Kulkarni visits Pahalgam after terrorist attack, asks people not to cancel vacation: Humara Kashmir hai, hum ayenge) While speaking to ANI, the filmmaker, commenting on Atul's approach, stated that it overlooks the deeper issue of "terrorism" in the region. He also expressed disappointment that Atul "never condemned" the fact that 'Islamic Jihad was behind this incident'. Calling the attack an "undeclared war" against India, Ashoke said, "The massacre that happened in Pahalgam was an undeclared war that Pakistan wages against India. Be it Atul Kulkarni or Suniel Shetty, they stated that tourism continues to flourish here, and by doing so, we can give a reply to terrorists..." "We, the Kashmiri Pandits who rate the victims, always say that tourism has nothing to do with terrorism. Even when crores of people are going there, this incident still happened. Terrorism is constant there... I appealed to Atul to study things and not handle and talk about such issues on a surface level. We all know that Kashmir is ours, but at such a time, you cannot take it as a joke... He never condemned that Islamic Jihad was behind this incident, and Hindus were killed selectively. He didn't condemn that, but was worried about tourism," he added. Earlier, while Atul was in Kashmir, he expressed his deep sadness over the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. He revealed that he was moved by the news of "90 percent of tourist bookings" being cancelled and decided to visit Kashmir in person to send a message of support, instead of just discussing the incident from Mumbai. A post shared by Atul Kulkarni (@atulkulkarni_official) "What happened on the 22nd was a very tragic incident; this should not have happened. The entire country is deeply saddened. When I read about it, I was thinking that every time something like this happens, what do we do? We post on social media, we talk to friends, we write something, but then I thought, what can I actually do in real action?" Atul told ANI. Earlier, at the sidelines of the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2025 ceremony, Suniel Shetty had also urged Indian citizens to plan their next holiday in Kashmir and nowhere else, while speaking to the media. "Hume nagrik ki taraf se ek hi karna hai, hume ye decide karna hai ki aaj se hamari agli chutti jo hogi, woh Kashmir mein hi hogi aur kahin nahi hogi. Unko ye dikhana hai ki hume darr nahi hai, aur waqi mein darr nahi hai (As a citizen, we have to do one thing. We have to decide that our next holiday will be in Kashmir and nowhere else. We have to show them that we are not scared)," said Suniel Shetty. On April 22, terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while leaving several others injured in one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"You cannot take it as a joke..": Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit calls out Atul Kulkarni for focusing on tourism instead of terrorism
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has reacted to actor Atul Kulkarni's recent visit to Kashmir following the ghastly terror attack that took place in the Pahalgam region earlier this month. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has reacted to actor Atul Kulkarni 's recent visit to Kashmir following the ghastly terror attack that took place in the Pahalgam region earlier this month. Kulkarni's visit was intended to encourage people to continue visiting the region to support its tourism industry. While speaking to ANI, the filmmaker, commenting on Kulkarni's approach, stated that it overlooks the deeper issue of "terrorism" in the region. He also expressed disappointment that Kulkarni "never condemned" the fact that "Islamic Jihad was behind this incident." Calling the attack an "undeclared war" against India, Pandit said, "The massacre that happened in Pahalgam was an undeclared war that Pakistan wages against India. Be it Atul Kulkarni or Suniel Shetty , they stated that tourism continues to flourish here, and by doing so, we can give a reply to terrorists..." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Vietnam (Take A Look At The Prices) Container House Search Now Undo "We, the Kashmiri Pandits who rate the victims, always say that tourism has nothing to do with terrorism. Even when crores of people are going there, this incident still happened. Terrorism is constant there... I appealed to Atul to study things and not handle and talk about such issues on a surface level. We all know that Kashmir is ours, but at such a time, you cannot take it as a joke... He never condemned that Islamic Jihad was behind this incident, and Hindus were killed selectively. He didn't condemn that, but was worried about tourism," he added. Earlier, while Kulkarni was in Kashmir, he expressed his deep sadness over the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. He revealed that he was moved by the news of "90 percent of tourist bookings" being canceled and decided to visit Kashmir in person to send a message of support, instead of just discussing the incident from Mumbai. "What happened on the 22nd was a very tragic incident; this should not have happened. The entire country is deeply saddened. When I read about it, I was thinking that every time something like this happens, what do we do? We post on social media, we talk to friends, we write something, but then I thought, what can I actually do in real action?" Kulkarni told ANI. Earlier, at the sidelines of the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2025 ceremony, Suniel Shetty had also urged Indian citizens to plan their next holiday in Kashmir and nowhere else, while speaking to the media. "Hume nagrik ki taraf se ek hi karna hai, hume ye decide karna hai ki aaj se hamari agli chutti jo hogi, woh Kashmir mein hi hogi aur kahin nahi hogi. Unko ye dikhana hai ki hume darr nahi hai, aur waqi mein darr nahi hai (As a citizen, we have to do one thing. We have to decide that our next holiday will be in Kashmir and nowhere else. We have to show them that we are not scared)," said Suniel Shetty. On April 22, terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while leaving several others injured in one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed.
New Indian Express
30-04-2025
- New Indian Express
Tourism stakeholders criticise Kashmir's decision to close 48 tourist spots for security audit
SRINAGAR: The recent decision to temporarily close for security audit following the has drawn sharp criticism from tourism stakeholders, who fear it will tarnish the Valley's image and deter potential travellers. 'The decision to close 48 tourist destinations in Kashmir by the government is very unfortunate,' said prominent hotelier and J&K Hoteliers Club president Mushtaq Chaya. 'Closure of 48 tourist spots will send a very bad message outside and those tourists who were planning to visit Kashmir will now hesitate to travel to the Valley.' The government's move comes in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed The incident has triggered heightened security concerns and led to a comprehensive review of safety at tourist locations across Jammu and Kashmir. Officials stated that the closures are temporary and aimed at ensuring the security of visitors. The 48 destinations fall across eight districts, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kulgam, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Pulwama, and include picturesque but lesser-known spots such as Yousmarg, Tosamaidan, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Kousarnag, Bangus, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Naranag and Astanmarg Viewpoint. Some prominent locations closed in north Kashmir include Gurez, Bangus Valley, Baba Reshi and Kaman Post, areas that had only recently opened to tourists due to the improved security situation in the region. In Srinagar, the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, along with Badamwari, Rajouri Kadal, Aali Kadal, Faqir Gujri and parts of Dachigam National Park, are among the 15 places affected. In central Kashmir, Yousmarg, Tosamaidan and the rapidly emerging Doodpathri destination have been closed. In the south, tourist attractions like Aharbal, the Sun Temple in Kehribal, Verinag, Sinthan Top and Margan Top have also been affected. Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) Secretary General Sajad Kralyari said the closures have created a negative atmosphere, resulting in a wave of cancellations. 'Closure of 48 tourist spots has added to the negativity and might lead to further cancellations,' he said. 'The officials have told us that after security clearance, these tourist spots will again be thrown open.' Despite the setbacks, Kralyari remained hopeful. 'Major tourist destinations including Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Dal Lake, Boulevard and Mughal Gardens are open. Ninety percent of tourists visit these places only,' he said. 'There have been about 80–90 percent cancellations. We are hopeful of revival of tourism again. We are receiving queries again.' He also credited the warm response of locals and celebrity actor Atul Kulkarni's recent visit for helping to restore confidence in Kashmir's safety. 'The hospitality displayed by the Kashmiri people after the Pahalgam terror attack and celebrity Atul Kulkarni's visit to Kashmir has sent a message outside that Kashmir is safe. We are hopeful that tourism will again pick up in the Valley,' he added. The Pahalgam attack has sparked massive outrage in the region. For the first time in over three decades of militancy, a complete shutdown was observed across the Valley against the killings of civilians. People also took out rallies and protests denouncing the violence.
News18
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Atul Kulkarni Travels To Kashmir, Urges People Not To Cancel Vacation Plans
Actor Atul Kulkarni made his way to Pahalgam just days after the deadly terrorist attack. In an interview with ANI, Atul shared that the terrorists' actions were meant to send a message discouraging people from visiting Kashmir. However, he urged people to not be discouraged and emphasized that Kashmir remains a beautiful and peaceful place. Watch the video for more on his thoughts and journey. bollywood news | entertainment news live | latest bollywood news | bollywood | news18 | n18oc_moviesLiked the video? Please press the thumbs up icon and leave a comment. Subscribe to Showsha YouTube channel and never miss a video: Showsha on Instagram: Showsha on Facebook: Showsha on X: Showsha on Snapchat: entertainment and lifestyle news and updates on:
India Today
29-04-2025
- India Today
J&K's beauty on lockdown: 48 tourist sites closed, Srinagar hit hardest
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government launched a series of diplomatic moves against Pakistan. At the same time, it also implemented strong security measures, including shutting down 48 popular tourist spots across the Kashmir move reportedly came after intercepted communication indicated that multiple sleeper cells in the Valley were activated following the Pahalgam attack. There was also chatter about Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence planning targeted attacks on non-local individuals, CID personnel, and Kashmiri Pandits in the Srinagar and Ganderbal restrictions were imposed even as travellers began returning to Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, actor Atul Kulkarni visited Pahalgam just days after the terrorist incident. Kulkarni remarked that the attackers intended to send a message discouraging people from visiting Kashmir. He said, 'Kashmir humara hai (Kashmir is ours),' and urged fellow Indians not to cancel their travel plans to the DESTINATIONS The ban affects 55 per cent of tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, including several iconic and much-loved spots such as Yousmarg, the Kaman post in Uri, the Astanmarg paragliding spot, Naranag, the Jamia Masjid, the Martand Sun Temple in Kheribal, and the Bangus Valley. While the restrictions are temporary, authorities have confirmed that the Gurez Valley will also soon be added to the list, bringing the total number of restricted tourist spots to DISTRICTS ARE MOST AFFECTED?advertisementTourism is a key driver of the economy in Jammu and Kashmir, and the recent restrictions will significantly impact its people. Srinagar has the highest number of banned tourist spots, accounting for 33 per cent of the total, with 16 locations closed. Baramulla follows with nine prohibited affected districts include Anantnag and Sopore, each with five banned places, while Budgam, Ganderbal, and Kupwara each have three locations on the list. Kulgam, Handwara, and Pulwama have fewer restrictions, with one or two spots closed in each STEPSHowever, the ban is temporary for tourist places, and security agencies have launched a large-scale anti-terror operation across the state, conducting coordinated raids and detaining hundreds of suspects. In addition, authorities have demolished several homes linked to allegedly active terrorists in the Valley as part of the crackdown. Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency, leading the probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, has initiated an on-site investigation and recreated the crime scene.
