When Salman called Kashmir more beautiful than any place

Back in 2015, while filming the emotionally charged blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Salman Khan found himself mesmerized—not just by the story he was portraying, but by the ethereal beauty of Kashmir. Shooting in the lush locales of Sonamarg and Pahalgam, the superstar was struck by the region’s serenity, prompting him to declare, “There’s no place as beautiful as Kashmir.” And just like that, the valley had another powerful admirer.
Ditching the usual Swiss Alps backdrop for something closer to home, Salman spent nearly 40 days filming in Kashmir. During a media interaction amidst his shoot, he spoke candidly about his experience, calling the region a “paradise on Earth.” From snow-capped mountains to meadows that look like they’re pulled straight out of a painting, Salman’s enthusiasm wasn’t just scripted—it was soulful and spontaneous.
But it wasn’t only the natural beauty that captivated him. What left a lasting impression was the simplicity and warmth of the people. “The people here are very sweet and respectful. They’re full of love,” he shared. This coming from one of Bollywood’s most loved, and sometimes most polarizing, stars made the message resonate even more.
Though Kashmir had been considered for previous projects like 'Dabangg', it was 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' that finally brought Salman to the valley. And he didn’t just shoot there—he soaked in the culture, tasted the cuisine, and shared heartfelt interactions with locals. His presence alone sparked a renewed buzz around tourism in the region, and he hoped his film would encourage more people to explore the valley.

“I feel every Indian should visit Kashmir at least once in their lifetime,” he said. It wasn’t just a line—it was a wish. A wish that people would see Kashmir not just through a news lens, but through a soulful one. His words added a much-needed spotlight on the potential of the region—not only as a film location but as a place of peace, beauty, and connection.
Yet today, those same scenic valleys—especially Pahalgam, where Salman once shot some of the most visually stunning sequences—have found themselves in the headlines for a different reason. The tragic Pahalgam terror attack 2025 has once again drawn attention to the fragility of peace in the region. It's a sobering contrast to the tranquility Salman experienced nearly a decade ago, and a reminder of the continued need to preserve and protect the harmony that artists and visitors have long celebrated.

Despite being wrapped in legal troubles at the time, Salman made it clear that those issues paled in comparison to the experience he was living. “My problems are too small right now. We are here to talk about Kashmir,” he had said, redirecting the attention with humility.