NOTES FROM THE TRENCHES
On the 19th anniversary of the Kargil War victory, reel stars recall playing reallife heroes in Bollywood films
Commemorating one of India’s most emphatic battlefield triumphs, Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every July 26. On the 19th anniversary of the victory over Pakistan, we speak to actors who’ve played frontline Indian soldiers.
SUNIEL SHETTY
Army man in Border (1997) and LoC: Kargil (2003)
“My character was so real. Me using the machine gun, it choking, me firing it — I was taught everything, and they were real bullets. When the tanks came in on the first day of the shoot, there were clouds of dust. The afternoon looked like night. The earth was shaking. When it wasn’t war, we were still trembling in fear. What would it be like during a real war? Hats off to the soldiers. ”
AKSHAYE KHANNA
Army man in Border (1997) and LoC: Kargil (2003)
“I sat inside an Army tank for the first time when shooting. I remember how unnerving it was, how claustrophobic. And the barrel of the gun recoils centimetres away from where these people sit. I thought, if I’m at a shoot and feeling so uncomfortable, what must it be like when you’re under real enemy fire? It’s something — this kind of junoon for selfless service to the nation.”
PUNEET ISSAR
Army man in Border (1997) “I’ve grown up in a family that had many [armed forces] officers and the feeling of nationalism was instilled in me from childhood. So when I got the chance to play the role of Subedar Ratan Singh in Border, main ek mahina pehle hi chala gaya and I stayed with the regiment to get the feel of the character. In doing that role, I got a joy and feeling of completeness that no amount of commercial success can bring. I got my Border uniform stitched by an Army tailor. It’s from the cloth with which actual uniforms are made. It’s the highest medal for me.”
SHARMAN JOSHI
Army man in the comedy War Chhod Na Yaar (2013) “Being able to represent your country, even if it’s on-screen, is a great high. I watched a lot of videos to get the form right, as I wanted to look perfect. I didn’t need anyone to inspire me; I just knew I was getting to play one of the most revered characters (that of a soldier) in a film, and that thought was my inspiration. We all have immense respect for our Army men. They fight for us, so that we can lead a scare-free life.”
Inputs by Rishabh Suri
When I played the character of Col Dharam Vir, I remember how he goes on leave and is suddenly called back. The moment there’s that call of duty, a soldier must get up and leave. That discipline is amazing. AKSHAYE KHANNA ACTOR