Tourist’s video from Kashmir counters hate narrative after Pahalgam attack
Pahalgam, Kashmir: At a time when fear and anger gripped the nation after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a video recorded by a young woman from Maharashtra is going viral reminding India that brotherhood still exists, even in the face of terror.
The video was shared by Pooja Jadhav, a tourist from Beed in Maharashtra, who was visiting Kashmir when militants opened fire on a group of travellers in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley on Tuesday. At least 28 people, including tourists and locals, were killed in the ambush.
But amidst this tragedy, Pooja’s voice is standing out—not in panic, but in calm reassurance.
In her now-viral video, Pooja speaks directly to those watching: “I am a Hindu. And I’ve been in Kashmir since morning. Let me tell you, the Muslims here are with us. They’ve stood beside us, shoulder to shoulder. No one asked me what my religion is. No one threatened us.”
She slammed sections of the media, especially mainstream TV channels, for suggesting that Hindus were being targeted in Kashmir. “The attackers want to scare people away from Kashmir. But the people of Kashmir—Hindu or Muslim—want us here. They are helping us, protecting us.”
Pooja shared how her family back home in Maharashtra panicked after hearing the news and couldn’t reach her on the phone. “Network is a problem here. We had to take a local SIM card. People back home were scared. But our driver, a local brother, told us, ‘We will die before we let anything happen to you.’ This is brotherhood. This is the real India.”
Her words, raw and emotional, have struck a chord with viewers across the country. Many have shared the video, saying it restored their faith in communal harmony.
The attack itself, according to police reports, was carried out by militants believed to be from The Resistance Front, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Tourists from several states and even a few foreign nationals were among the dead. The government has launched a high-level probe, and sketches of suspects have been released. Security has been intensified in and around Pahalgam.
“There is no Hindu-Muslim here. We are all humans,” she says in her video. “Let humanity live. Let us not divide this beautiful land with hate.”
Several Kashmiri locals have also come forward to express their anger against the attackers and sorrow for the loss of innocent lives. “Tourists are our guests. They are like our family. Whoever did this has no religion, no soul,” said Irfan Dar, a pony guide in Pahalgam.
And The Reality Is.....
— তন্ময় l T͞anmoy l (@tanmoyofc) April 23, 2025
Pooja Jadhav, a woman from Maharashtra, visited Kashmir and is Exposing the Agenda of Godi Media.#PahalgamTerroristAttack #PahalgamTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/omY7XIH6FJ
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Shah Rukh Khan, Kiara Advani, Diljit Dosanjh lead India's fashion statement at Met Gala 2025
New York: The 2025 Met Gala, themed "Superfine", witnessed a historic moment for Indian representation as Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, and actress Kiara Advani made striking debuts on the iconic Met steps, captivating global audiences with powerful fashion statements rooted in culture, legacy, and personal narratives.
This year’s gala, focused on menswear and Black Dandyism, marked a shift in red carpet dynamics, highlighting minimalism, cultural elegance, and heritage.
Making his first-ever appearance at the Met Gala, Shah Rukh Khan embodied royalty and personal branding. Styled by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, he wore a black tailored jacket adorned with a dramatic “K” pendant, a custom “SRK” jewel set, and a Bengal tiger-topped sceptre. According to Sabyasachi, the look was designed to “represent Shah Rukh Khan as Shah Rukh Khan.”
Despite mixed reactions online, some calling the ensemble “forgettable” and others lauding his timeless charm, his signature pose on the blue carpet ensured a buzzworthy debut.
Kiara Advani’s radiant motherhood statement
Making her Met Gala debut while expecting her first child, Kiara Advani wore a custom Gaurav Gupta Couture piece titled ‘Bravehearts’, blending black, gold, and white. The ensemble celebrated motherhood with a heart-shaped plaque symbolizing new beginnings. Crafted with metallic flows, the gown echoed Gaurav Gupta’s signature but took a futuristic turn, aligning with the theme of the night.
The look paid homage to the spirit of the Black Dandy.
Diljit Dosanjh, styled by Prabal Gurung, brought unapologetic Punjabi flair to the Gala. His outfit, featuring traditional elements rooted in his Punjabi identity, earned him praise for “serving royalty, legacy, and aura.” A first for an Indian male musician at the Met, his look fused heritage with high fashion, making him one of the night’s most talked-about celebrities.
Other Indian icons at Met Gala 2025
Priyanka Chopra Jonas returned with husband Nick Jonas in coordinated Valentino black-and-white ensembles. Her polka-dot-inspired gown paired with white opera gloves and a Bulgari necklace channeled timeless glamour, while Nick complemented her with a polka-dot suit and leather accents.
Isha Ambani, in Anamika Khanna, stunned with an ensemble that took over 20,000 hours to embroider. Draped in heirloom Cartier diamonds, her look blended tradition and modernity with elegance.
Natasha Poonawala, styled by Manish Malhotra, wore “The Empress”, a couture masterpiece featuring a pearl-embellished corset and Gara embroidery, paying tribute to her Parsi roots while embracing futurism.
