Shah Rukh, Salman, Hrithik, Priyanka, Alia and many more celebs condemn Pahalgam terror attack
New Delhi, Apr 23 (PTI): An inhumane act of violence, heinous attack, reprehensible and heartbreaking... India's cine stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Allu Arjun, spoke out in unison on Wednesday to express their anguish at the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's tourist hub of Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people.
In an outpouring of grief on social media, many celebrities condemned the targeted killing of innocent tourists in the terror attack on Tuesday.
"Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam. In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we as a Nation, stand united, strong and get justice against this heinous act," Shah Rukh posted on X.
Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam. In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we as a Nation, stand…
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 23, 2025
Salman wrote, "Kashmir, heaven on planet earth turning into hell. Innocent people being targeted, my heart goes out to their families. Ek bhi innocent ko marna puri kainath ko marne ke barabar hai (Killing even one innocent person is equivalent to killing the whole universe)."
Kashmir,heaven on planet earth turning into hell. Innocent people being targeted, my heart goes out to their families . Ek bhi innocent ko marna puri kainath ko marne ke barabar hai
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) April 23, 2025
Alia said the news coming out of Pahalgam was heartbreaking.
"Innocent lives lost. Tourists, families, people who were just...living. Seeking beauty. Seeking peace. And now there's only grief. And the unbearable weight of it. Every time something like this happens, it chips away at our shared humanity. May those souls rest in peace.
"And may those left behind find strength somehow - though I don't know how we even begin to ask that of them," she posted on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
Priyanka termed the terror attack in Pahalgam as "reprehensible" and said it is difficult to move past from a tragedy like this.
"So many innocent lives were caught in a storm they never asked for. Targeted, right in front of their loved ones... This heinous attack should shake the conscience of humanity. This will haunt us for a long time. To those grieving, displaced, mourning, and living in fear, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so deeply anguished by this," she wrote on Instagram.
Katrina said she was heartbroken by the horrific attack in Pahalgam and sent her condolences to the families of the victims.
"Praying for strength and peace for all the families who have lost loved ones. May justice be served!!!" she said.
Anushka Sharma said the attack on tourists in Pahalgam will never be forgotten.
"Heartbroken to hear about the cold-blooded terror attack on innocent people in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Heartfelt prayers and condolences to their families," the actor said.
Hrithik Roshan said he was "deeply disturbed, disgusted and heartbroken" by the terror attack.
"My condolences to the families of the departed souls, may they rest in peace. Prays for the speedy recovery of those injured. May justice and the spirit of humanity prevail," he added.
Deeply disturbed, disgusted and heartbroken with the cowardly act of Terrorism that took place in Pahalgam. My condolences to the families of the departed souls, may they rest in peace. Prays for the speedy recovery of those injured. May justice and the spirit of humanity prevail…
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) April 23, 2025
In an X post, "Pushpa 2" star Allu Arjun said he was heartbroken.
"Such a beautiful place with kind hearted people . Condolences to all the families, near and dear of the victims. May their innocent souls rest in peace. Truly Heart breaking (sic)" he wrote.
Rashmika Mandanna shared a news story on her Instagram page and wrote, "It breaks my heart."
Her "Animal" co-star Triptii Dimri said, "Truly heartbreaking... The cruelty..the loss..the fear..it's unbearable... No family should have to go through this.. Praying for those who've lost their loved ones..and those still living in this nightmare."
Manoj Bajpayee said cruelty against innocent lives is unacceptable.
"Peace must be protected, not punished. My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. Om Shanti #Pahalgam," he wrote.
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut said terrorists opened fire at unarmed civilians.
"... how to fight with these cowards, who want to fight only outside of the battlefield (sic)" she added in another Instagram Story.
Dulquer Salmaan said his heart goes out to the victims of the terrible and cowardly attack.
"I cannot fathom the loss they're experiencing. Kashmir its beauty, the love & hospitality of its amazing people deserve to be experienced by everyone especially our countrymen," he said.
In an Instagram Story, Kareena Kapoor Khan wrote: "Beyond heartbroken for the victims and their families. Praying for the lives lost. #Pahalgam."
Hope the culprits behind "this heinous act" are brought to justice, said Vicky Kaushal.
"Can’t imagine the pain of the family members of those who lost their loved ones in the absolute inhumane act of terrorism in Pahalgam. My deepest condolences and prayers," he added.
Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar said the senseless act of violence against innocent lives is absolutely inexcusable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives. I stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir during this tragic," he added.
Ajay Devgn said he was shocked to hear about the terrorist attack.
"The victims and their families were innocent souls, and what happened is heartbreaking and purely evil. My thoughts and prayers are with them," he wrote on X.
Akshay Kumar posted, "Horrified to know of the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Sheer evil to kill innocent people like this. Prayers for their families."
Nani, who shot for his Telugu film "Hit: The Third Case" in Pahalgam three months ago, said he was speechless.
"Over 200 people team for almost 20 days. Pahalgam Was like a dream. The place, the people and the warmth... Why?" he wrote in an X post.
Actor Sunny Deol said it was high time that ending terrorism became a priority.
"... its victims are only innocent people, humans need to look within themselves. I stand with the affected families in this hour of grief. #PahalgamTerroristAttack," he wrote in Hindi.
"My heart goes out to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. It is devastating to witness such cruelty... Let us hold on to each other a little tighter and never let go of the hope that peace will prevail even in the face of darkness," Malayalam superstar Mohanlal said in an X post.
Actor Sidharth Malhotra termed the Pahalgam terrorist attack "a cowardly act".
"I have full faith in our armed forces and I’m sure they will do the needful and ensure justice. My prayers and thoughts are with the families of the innocent victims. Jai Hind!" Malhotra said on his Instagram Story.
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Rohit identifies Arshdeep, Hardik as key to India's chances in T20 World Cup
New Delhi (PTI): T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma reckons all-rounder Hardik Pandya and left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh will hold the key to India's prospects in the upcoming edition of the tournament.
Defending champions India will enter the T20 showpiece as one of the overwhelming favourites due to their massive depth and quality.
Rohit highlighted Arshdeep's effectiveness with the new ball and at the death.
"It is a big positive to have both Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh together because they always attack for wickets. Arshdeep's biggest strength is swinging the new ball and taking early wickets. He mainly bowls with the new ball and at the death. Starting and finishing are the most important phases, and he is strong in both," Rohit told JioHotstar.
"With the new ball, he swings it to get left-handers caught in the slips and targets the pads of right-handers. He has also started taking the ball away from right-handers. These skills are key for a new-ball bowler. He always tries to take wickets, which is why he bowls the first over."
Rohit added, "In the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, he did a great job. I still remember he dismissed Quinton de Kock when he was set and batting well. In the 19th over, he gave away just two or three runs, which built pressure on the South Africans.
"That is his game, bowling with the new ball and at the death, and he will play a key role for India in the 2026 T20 World Cup."
India won the last edition of the tournament in the Americas under Rohit's captaincy, after which the dashing opener retired from the T20 format internationally.
Rohit also spoke about how Hardik's dual role as a finisher and multi-phase bowler provides crucial balance to the Indian team.
"Whenever Hardik Pandya is in the team, his role is huge. He bats and bowls very consistently. His batting is crucial when the team is stuck. If we have a score of 160 on the board in 15-16 overs and Hardik is batting, then he's the one who can help the team reach 210-220 from there or if we are 50 for 4, he has to build the innings.
"Batting in the middle order at 5, 6, or 7 is very tough. That is why Hardik's role is critical in any format. We know his bowling. He bowls in key phases, with the new ball, in the middle and in the death as well. His role is very important because he gives the team balance, letting us play six bowlers and keep our batting deep."
Rohit said accommodating both Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy together in the playing XI is going to be a big challenge for the Indian team management.
"The biggest challenge for captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir will be how to play both Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy together. If you want that combination, you can only do it if you play with two seamers, which is a big challenge.
"But honestly, I would be tempted to play both Varun and Kuldeep because they are wicket-takers and batters struggle to read them. I would surely pick them."
The former India skipper added, "Looking at the conditions in India, like in this New Zealand series, there is a lot of dew. In February and March, dew will be heavy across most parts as winter ends.
"Even in Mumbai, which doesn't get cold, there's still dew. I'd say 90-95 percent of grounds in India have dew. That's the challenge. What do the coach and captain think? Are they comfortable with three spinners? Then they can play spin, but there's no fixed rule. It depends on the team leaders' thinking."
Rohit also urged Kuldeep to stop appealing on every ball and to rely on the wicketkeeper's judgment for reviews.
"My one simple advice to Kuldeep is to just bowl quietly and go back to his mark. You can't appeal on every ball. This is basic. I keep saying it, but it still happens often. Even after telling him many times, he appeals at every chance. You have to use your head. Just because it touches the pad, it doesn't mean it's out every time. This isn't gully cricket.
"I get he is enthusiastic, but think of the team first. Each team only gets two DRS reviews. If I was the keeper, I could see where the ball pitched and if it was hitting, I could tell the bowler.
"But from covers or slip, you don't know the angle. You have to listen to what the keeper and bowler say. That's why when there's a review off Kuldeep's bowling, I don't look at him, I look at the keeper to decide."
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in venues across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
