Am I from Pakistan? Kashmiri boatman’s witty response to tourist goes viral

Srinagar: A casual conversation on a Dal Lake shikara has gone viral, not for conflict or controversy, but for a perfectly timed line that corrected a tourist with humour and ease.

The viral clip, shared on X by @lakshaymehta08, shows a Kashmiri boatman chatting casually with a tourist as they glide across the calm waters of the iconic lake. During the conversation, the boatman asks the tourist where he is from. The answer comes promptly: “India.” Without missing a beat, the boatman smiles and responds, “So am I from Pakistan?” before adding, just as casually, “We are also Indians.”
The exchange lasts only a few seconds, but its impact has travelled far. What makes the moment stand out is its tone. There is no confrontation or hostility, just a gentle, witty correction delivered with perfect timing.
Viewers online have praised the clip for capturing a form of everyday patriotism that feels natural rather than performative. Many commented on how the boatman handled the situation with ease, choosing humour over argument. The tourist, momentarily surprised, appears to take the correction in stride, adding to the clip’s light-hearted appeal.

The video has surfaced at a time when tourism in Kashmir is seeing a steady revival, with Dal Lake once again bustling with visitors.(Indiatoday)