In light of the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam that shook the nation, it’s hard not to think back to the more peaceful and hopeful days the valley has seen. One such moment was during the shoot of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, when Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and his team brought life, energy, and attention to Kashmir’s serene beauty. While the region is now grieving and grappling with questions of safety and peace, this throwback reminds us of a time when cinema played a role in showcasing the brighter side of Pahalgam and reigniting its tourism potential.
Long before Kashmir became a frequent destination on Bollywood’s shooting calendar again, it was Bajrangi Bhaijaan that brought back the spotlight to the valley. As the team of the film, including Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and director Kabir Khan, reached Pahalgam for the film’s schedule, the experience left an indelible mark on everyone involved.
Salman Khan had shared his heartfelt thoughts about the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir. “The experience of shooting in Kashmir was incredible. It is a beautiful place with beautiful people. We have such amazing places in our country and we don’t want to shoot there… how silly of us,” Salman told reporters during a promotional tour. He wasn’t just impressed by the natural beauty but also deeply moved by the warmth and hospitality of the locals.
Despite initial delays in the shoot due to Salman suffering from a severe ear infection and sinusitis, the schedule picked up quickly once he recovered. According to a report by India Today dated April 21, 2015, Salman was in Pahalgam with the rest of the unit, staying at Pine and Peak Hotel. “It’s true. Salman Khan is in severe pain and with the help of painkillers, we have started shooting,” a spokesperson from the film shared at the time.
The filming of Bajrangi Bhaijaan in Kashmir wasn’t just a cinematic decision. Kabir Khan revealed that they had a deliberate reason behind choosing the location. “We had a long 40-day schedule to be shot in Kashmir. As everyone was talking about the problems in that region, we thought if Salman can shoot there, then anyone can. We hope more and more films and actors will go there and shoot,” the director said.
Salman also noted how being in Kashmir reminded him of someone close. “Kashmir reminded me of Katrina,” he smiled, recalling memories of his former ladylove. He added that the valley was “paradise on earth” and was smitten by its charm. “If someone has not seen Kashmir, he or she has seen nothing at all,” he said.
The film, which also featured shoots in Mandawa and Delhi, revolved around a man who sets out on a journey to return a lost and mute girl to her home in Pakistan. But the Kashmiri segment of the shoot became the soul of the film, as the visuals captured the untouched magic of the valley.
Director Kabir Khan also mentioned how supportive the local residents were. “The locals were very accommodating and ensured they did not come in the way. It was a great experience shooting there.” He believed that their decision to shoot in Kashmir could serve a larger purpose — “There is a myth that people have about Kashmir and we wanted to break that. We wanted to promote tourism, show the positive side,” Kabir added.
Even hotel managers and local authorities welcomed the initiative. Altaf Ahmad, manager of Hotel Hilltop in Pahalgam, said, “It is a good beginning. If film stars like Salman Khan keep coming to Kashmir, a strong message will go out that things are better here.”
Today, many filmmakers have followed that lead, with more and more shoots taking place across Kashmir. But Bajrangi Bhaijaan remains one of the most iconic projects that helped put Kashmir back on Bollywood’s location map.
“No matter how much you shoot there, the place will always be beautiful and fresh as before,” Salman had said. And nearly a decade later, those words still hold true—especially as the world prays for peace to return to the same valley that once inspired the silver screen.
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