Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir: Indian, Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar, Janhvi Kapoor and Mohanlal condemn killings
Dubai: The film industry in India has come together to condemn the terror attack near Pahalgam that killed at least 26 civilians and injured over 20 others. The attack took place on Tuesday afternoon in Baisaran valley, a popular tourist destination in Kashmir, where terrorists descended from the hills and opened fire on a group of tourists around 3pm.
The incident, described by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as 'much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years,' has drawn widespread outrage across the country — including from voices in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema.
Actors, directors, and filmmakers took to social media to express shock and grief, while demanding accountability and justice for those killed. There was a consistent tone of sorrow, disbelief, and fury at the senseless loss of life.
Akshay Kumar called the killings 'sheer evil,' stating he was 'horrified to know of the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam,' and added, 'Prayers for their families.'
Vicky Kaushal expressed sympathy for the victims' families, saying he couldn't imagine the pain of losing loved ones in such an 'absolutely inhumane act of terrorism.'
Janhvi Kapoor described the attackers as 'cowardly, trigger happy, soullessly conditioned monsters' and questioned whether any justice would be enough 'to quell this seething anger caused by such repeated acts of terror and evil.' She said she was 'shocked and heart broken for the innocent lives lost,' adding that she mourns with the victims' families and prays 'gods strength' helps them cope with the 'unimaginable pain.'
Sidharth Malhotra, who is currently filming in Kerala, called the shooting of innocent civilians a 'cowardly act' and expressed confidence in India's armed forces to bring justice. 'My prayers and thoughts are with the families of the innocent victims,' he wrote, ending with 'Jai Hind.'
The demand for action came through strongly in Sanjay Dutt's response. Referring to the killings as being carried out 'in cold blood,' he wrote that 'this can't be forgiven,' and urged India's political leadership — including the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defence Minister — to 'give them what they deserve.'
Sonu Sood called the attack a 'dastardly act' and said 'terrorism should not have any place in a civilized world.' He extended his 'deepest condolences' and prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared a video in which he recalled past violence against Kashmiri Hindus. Referring to the attack as a 'narsanhar' (massacre), he said he had 'seen this happen far too many times in [his] life."
Actress Raveena Tandon responded with a call for unity, stating there were 'no words to express the anguish.' She said it was 'time we all let go of petty in-house fighting, UNITE and realise the true enemy.'
Hina Khan, currently in Kashmir, reacted in real-time via Instagram Stories with a brief but powerful message: 'Pahalgam… Why… Why.'
South Indian cinema voices also joined in condemnation. Malayalam actor Mohanlal said his 'heart goes out to the victims' and that 'no cause can ever justify the taking of innocent lives.' He urged the country to stand together, adding that 'the entire nation stands with you in mourning.'
Kamal Haasan called the killings 'heinous' and said 'India stands united — in grief, in resolve, and in our commitment to uphold law, order, and national security.'
Filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar, who recently hosted a film screening in Srinagar, said the attack was a 'senseless act of violence against innocent lives' and must be 'condemned in the strongest possible terms.'
The government has launched a full investigation into the incident. In response to the scale of the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his state visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India.
As Kashmir reels from the deadliest attack on civilians in recent memory, voices from India's entertainment industry have made it clear — the pain is being felt across all sectors of public life, and there is an urgent, united demand for justice.
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