Following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam which left 26 innocent people dead, voices from all over the Indian entertainment industry have been raised—speaking of sorrow, anger, and an immediate call for solidarity. Perhaps the strongest response was issued by music composer and singer Salim Merchant, who minced no words in confronting the chilling incident that shocked the country.

Speaking candidly in a video that has now gone viral, Salim Merchant said, "As a Muslim, mujhe sharam aa rahi hai (I feel ashamed)." The emotional remark caught the eye of social media users who were impressed by the composer's courage to condemn extremism while upholding the principles of peace and humanity.

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Salim, visibly emotional, condemned the attack and appealed for people not to equate terrorism with religion. "Killing innocents is not what Islam teaches. No religion promotes violence," he added, calling for communities to unite against hatred and extremism. The attack on Pahalgam, which had both Indian and foreign tourists, has evoked strong emotional reactions throughout the country.

Munawar Faruqui showed strong support to Salim. He reposted the video on his Instagram story and put just one word: 'facts!'—a' simple but firm expression of support.

Popular stand-up comedian and winner of 'Bigg Boss' Munawar Faruqui also responded to the attack with a sober post. While famous for his satire and humor, Munawar went serious this time. “Bohot dukh ho raha hai... insaniyat se bada koi mazhab nahi hota (I am feeling very sad... there is no religion greater than humanity)” he posted in a now viral Instagram story. His message was one of reminder that humanity and empathy should come first before everything else, particularly in such times of tragedy.

Munawar also posted his own message, "Khuda maaf nahin karta isi ke dil ko todna. Phir khoon kisi bekasoor ka toh door ki baat hai. Insaf reh jaayega peeche, aage hogi phir se siyasat. Meri zameen par maatam toh yahaan roz ki baat hai." (God does not forgive breaking someone's heart. Justice will fall behind, and politics will once again lead. . Mourning on my land has become a daily affair.)

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The Pahalgam tragedy has not just led to public grief but also fresh calls for greater national unity and better security. Celebrities across the board have posted their condolences and condemned the act of terrorism. Salim Merchant's message, however, resonated for its honesty and its honest reflection.

Many netizens responded with comments lauding his bravery for speaking up. “This is what we need right now—voices that stand for humanity,” one user tweeted. Another wrote, “Salim Merchant just spoke what millions were feeling. Respect to him.”

The terror strike, which happened in the peaceful town of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, involved a targeted killing rampage of Hindus resulting in tourists and locals being killed. The attackers allegedly carried out religious profiling-based victim selection, boosting the country's indignation. The attack has led to a country-wide manhunt for the terrorists, and fervent diplomatic and security measures ensued.

In this atmosphere of grief, statements like Salim's are a reminder of the power that influential figures hold to shape the public conversation. His message did not accuse any community but instead tried to separate a tolerant faith from the atrocities that had been done in its name.

While India is still reeling under the effect of the tragedy, those from the entertainment world such as Salim Merchant and Munawar Faruqui are being lauded for their acts of truthfulness to power and attempts to bridge gaps during moments of grief. It is hoped that such remarks create spaces for understanding, empathy, and communal healing.