Mumbai, July 30: The year 1990 brought a terrifying atmosphere for Kashmiri Pandits, forcing many, including actor Kunal Khemu’s family, to leave their homes overnight. Recently, Kunal’s sister, Karishma Khemu, shared glimpses of her return to Kashmir, evoking memories for many celebrities from the entertainment industry with ties to the valley.
Karishma posted a video on her Instagram, showcasing her and her mother in their ancestral home in Kashmir. The video features her mother reminiscing about the rooms where they once lived. The family is seen exploring different parts of the house, with Karishma’s mother recalling the early days of her marriage in that very home.
Karishma expressed, “When mom got married, she used to sleep on the upper floor. We had to leave everything behind in one night. Today, after so many years, we are walking through the streets of Srinagar, returning to our home.”
Pointing to various parts of the house, Karishma’s mother stated, “This was our home; this was my bedroom. This was my room. This was dad’s room.”
Karishma further explained that the once spacious family home has now been divided into smaller rental units. She noted, “Now this house has been partitioned into rooms. Each room is now someone else’s home.”
She also mentioned the lack of electricity on the stairs and that most rooms were locked.
As they wandered through the house, her mother appeared lost in memories, telling Karishma, “Your dad used to study in the room across from mine. Your sister often fell down the nearby stairs.”
In her video post, Karishma wrote, “So much has changed. There were once 9 stairs, now only 3 remain. The ground has shifted, the house has changed, but the memories remain. Seeing our home after so many years feels surreal. If this house had been maintained properly, it would have been nice, but it no longer belongs to us. Every time my parents visit, it’s a mix of emotions—mostly childhood memories and some bitter ones. This is the home of Kashmiri Pandits, Kashmir.”
Karishma’s post resonated with many users. Producer and activist Ashok Pandit responded, saying, “I am speechless and stunned. This is the story of every Kashmiri Pandit. Thank you, Karishma, for refreshing our memories connected to our roots.”
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