Actor Makarand Deshpande leads protest against Pahalgam terror attack: They were killed for their religion

Makarand Deshpande holds protest in Mumbai against Pahalgam terror attack

Actor Makarand Deshpande led a nonviolent demonstration in Mumbai on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in response to the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left the city's streets filled with grief and solidarity.

Terrorists opened fire on tourists during the April 22 attack, killing several and injuring a number. Many people were shocked and saddened by the incident, which rocked the country.

Deshpande, dressed in white as a mark of mourning, was joined by a group of supporters who gathered to pay tribute to the victims. Holding placards emblazoned with messages such as "United We Stand Hand in Hand" and “Ek Desh Ek Dhadkan,” the group sent a strong message of unity and resilience in the face of violence and tragedy.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Actor Makarand Deshpande, along with people, holds protest in Mumbai against #PahalgamTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/loJysG7ME9
ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2025

In his address to the media, Deshpande condemned the attack, stating, "I condemn this incident and pay tribute to all the victims. They were killed for their religion and names, which is very wrong… We need to support the government of India in whatever decisions they take," he told ANI.

Bollywood voices have joined forces to denounce the heinous act as well. During his Sunday visit to Kashmir, actor Atul Kulkarni expressed his profound sadness over the attack and its aftermath, especially the cancellation of "90 percent of tourist bookings" in the area.

Moved by this, Kulkarni decided to travel to Kashmir himself rather than simply react from Mumbai. Speaking to ANI, he said, “What happened on the 22nd was a very tragic incident; this should not have happened. The entire country is deeply saddened. When I read about it, I was thinking that every time something like this happens, what do we do? We post on social media, we talk to friends, we write something, but then I thought, what can I actually do in real action?”

Kulkarni further explained that the cancellation of bookings seemed like an attempt to discourage tourism in the region, to which he responded by saying, “We will come. Kashmir is ours.” He felt that his personal presence in Kashmir was crucial to send a message of hope and solidarity.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar reacts to Pahalgam attack at Kesari 2 screening: Humare sab ke dil mein woh gussa phir se...

The terror attack in Pahalgam unfolded around 2:30 pm on April 22, leaving 26 victims in its wake, including a newly married Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official, both of whom were tragically killed in front of their loved ones. The casualties also included two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal, as well as two local residents. The horror of the attack has united citizens across India in a shared call for peace and resilience.

Also Read: Suniel Shetty urges Indians to take next holiday in Kashmir following Pahalgam attack: Kashmir humara tha, humara hai aur...

Many actors, including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Vijay Deverakonda, and others, have strongly condemned the terrorist attack and expressed their outrage over the tragic incident. They have voiced their anger, calling for justice and unity in the face of such violence.