Srinagar, Nov 2 : Bollywood actor Sunil Shetty in Kashmir on Marathon 2.0, on Sunday expressed his delight at witnessing the overwhelming participation in the event. He said, “People are running for Kashmir and for India.
Speaking to media persons during the Kashmir Marathon 2.0, said, “People are running for Kashmir and for India. This is such a beautiful thing, and it is amazing to see the enthusiasm with which people of all ages are running. I am very happy to be here for the second edition, and every year I will try my best to come again.”
On being asked about the importance of this event for tourism after the Baisaran incident, Shetty said, “Yes, I can see that. Actually, I arrived yesterday; we went to Dal Lake and several other places. It felt like that atmosphere which had gone quiet is coming back again. I see this winter being a very beautiful winter for Kashmir.”
When asked whether more athletes could be expected in the coming years, Shetty replied, “100% I am sure they will. Winter is coming, and winter events are happening in February, so I think a lot more is happening. You have cricket also coming up, where international players like Chris Gayle and others will be here and playing. So, it means we are back — we are back in a big way.”
On being asked about Bollywood’s connection with the Valley, he said, “I have got some producer friends here, and they want to do more films in Kashmir. I think Kabir is also here, and there is a ray of hope with films being made this year. I think we all need to do our bit. It is not only me or anybody else — all of us as citizens of this country must come back here and do whatever we can, because finally, this is our most beautiful place on Earth.”
Shetty further said, “There are more than 100 international athletes and people from all over. People of all ages are running — I saw someone above 60 years old. I am myself 65-plus, so I cannot call them old, I will call them young — but they were running with so much enthusiasm. I hope, just like last year when tourism was at its peak and there was 90% occupancy in Srinagar, this winter we will see that again.”
He concluded with a heartfelt message, saying, “I pray, wish, and request people to come forward and make this beautiful place their very own. Come and experience Kashmir.”
