Rajinikanth slams terror attack; Suniel urges tourists to visit Kashmir

Veteran actor Rajinikanth has strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it a direct attempt to 'disrupt the peace' in Kashmir.
Speaking to the media at Chennai airport after completing a filming schedule for Jailer 2, the superstar expressed grief and demanded swift and decisive action from the authorities. “The enemies are trying to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir,” he said and added, "The central government should find the culprits and take strict action that is beyond imagination.”
The attack, which claimed 26 lives and left several injured, has sparked national outrage and mourning. Celebrities and public figures from across India have condemned the incident, labelling it a cowardly act meant to instil fear and division. Joining the chorus was actor Suniel Shetty who offered a message of unity and resilience. Speaking at the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2025 ceremony, he urged citizens to defy terror by supporting tourism in the Valley.
“Right now, we need to stay united as Indians,” he adviced and added, “We must not fall into the trap of those who are trying to spread fear and hatred. Unko dikhana hai ki Kashmir humara tha, humara hai, aur humesha humara hi rahega.”

Shetty went a step further, calling on fellow Indians to take their next holiday in Kashmir as a symbolic show of strength. “Humein nagrik ki taraf se ek hi karna hai, humein yeh decide karna hai ki aaj se agli chutti jo humaari hogi, woh Kashmir mein hi hogi aur kahin nahi hogi,” he said. “We have to show them that we are not scared—and truly, we are not.”
The actor also revealed that he has offered his support to authorities, stating, “I called them and said that if you want us to come there as tourists or as artists for shooting, we will definitely come.”
On Tuesday, April 22, terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured. The attack has reportedly prompted film bodies to bar the release of the film 'Abir Gulaal' in the country. The film stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor.