Actor Rajinikanth, who was a part of first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, spoke about the Pahalgam attack that sent shockwaves across the country. He noted that the attack was "barbaric and merciless" and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a fighter who will meet any challenge and will bring a peace to Jammu and Kashmir.
He underlined that he was confident that the government will conduct the Summit as promised despite the tragedy. "Many people told me that the government would postpone this event because of unnecessary criticism, because the event's subject is entertainment. But, I was confident that this event would definitely happen, because I have confidence in my PM Narendra Modi ji," he said.
The Pahalgam attack left over 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead after five armed militants opened fire in Baisaran Valley. The Resistance Front (TRF), which is believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based UN-designated terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility. Ever since, tensions have been rising against India and Pakistan with India suspending Indus Waters Treaty and closing airspace to Pakistani airlines. Pakistan had suspended the Simla Agreement, restricted trade, and closing airspace.
"He is a fighter. He will meet any challenge, and prove what we have been saying for the last decade, that he will face even this situation gracefully and bravely, and bring peace in Kashmir and glory to our country," he added in his speech.
Rajinikanth also expressed his gratitude and extended his wishes to the government for conducting the event which will be a start of a larger collaboration with the global entertainment industry.
Earlier, Rajinikanth in his first response against the Pahalgam attack, stated that that the terrorists and the mastermind behind the crime should be found as soon as possible and be given the the most severe punishment. He added that he believes that they would be given the kind of punishment that forces them to not even think about committing a similar act of crime ever again.
Among the other celebrities who were in attendance at the WAVES Summit were Shah Rukh Khan, Vicky Kaushal, along with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.
WAVES will integrate films, OTT, gaming, comics, digital media, AI, AVGC-XR, broadcasting, and emerging tech, and seek to present itself as a comprehensive showcase of India's media and entertainment prowess.
The summit aims to unlock a $50 billion market by 2029. The event begins on May 1 and continues for three days till May 4.
