While Bollywood often portrays tales of heroism on screen, few know that some of its brightest stars and talents have lived those roles in real life, serving the nation with pride and dedication. From defending our borders to contributing during times of conflict, these seven celebrities have donned the uniform, embodying the spirit of service before their successful careers in the entertainment industry.
1. Nana Patekar: The Actor Who Stood on the Frontlines
Known for his intense performances and powerful dialogue delivery, Nana Patekar‘s patriotism isn’t just limited to the silver screen. This three-time National Award winner served with the Indian Army during the 1999 Kargil War. Despite initial resistance from military officials, Patekar’s determination led him to the frontlines in August 1999 after personally reaching out to the then Defence Minister George Fernandes.
For over two weeks, he served as an honorary captain, stationed in conflict-prone areas near the Line of Control (LoC) such as Dras, Kupwara, Baramulla, Sopore, and Mughalpura. He not only patrolled alongside the soldiers but also assisted in base hospitals, experiencing firsthand the harsh realities of war. Patekar’s weight reportedly dropped significantly during his time in service, a testament to the demanding conditions. His commitment and service during the Kargil War remain an inspiring tale of a Bollywood star who lived the values he often portrayed on screen. He later retired from the Territorial Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2013.
2. Anand Bakshi: The Lyricist Who Sailed for the Nation
Before his words graced countless iconic Bollywood songs, Anand Bakshi served in the Royal Indian Navy. Born in Rawalpindi, Bakshi joined the Navy in Karachi in 1944 at a young age. He served on various ships until his dismissal in 1946. Following this, he joined the Indian Army in the Corps of Signals in Jabalpur in 1947 and served until 1950. These formative years instilled in him discipline and a deep sense of patriotism, which arguably influenced his later work as one of Bollywood’s most successful and prolific lyricists. His experiences in the armed forces provided him with a unique perspective and resilience that likely contributed to his enduring success in the film industry.
3. Bikramjeet Kanwarpal: From Major to Movie Sets
The late actor Bikramjeet Kanwarpal, known for his roles in films like “Page 3,” “2 States,” and the TV series “24,” had a distinguished career in the Indian Army before entering Bollywood. He served as an officer in the army, retiring in 2002 as a Major. His father, a Lieutenant Colonel, instilled in him the values of service and dedication. Kanwarpal’s transition from the armed forces to acting showcased his versatility and commitment to both his country and his craft. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19.
4. Achyut Potdar: The “3 Idiots” Actor Who Was an Army Officer
Achyut Potdar, famously known for his role in “3 Idiots,” also served the nation as an officer in the Indian Army. He retired from his post in 1967 and later embarked on his acting journey. Potdar’s career in both the military and the film industry highlights a life dedicated to service in different forms.
5. Gufi Paintal: “Shakuni Mama” Who Served During Wartime
Gufi Paintal, best remembered for his iconic role as Shakuni Mama in the epic television series “Mahabharata,” also has a connection to the Indian armed forces. He reportedly served the nation during the 1962 Indo-China War. This lesser-known fact adds another dimension to the life of the veteran actor.
6. Rehman: The Pilot Who Soared in Cinema
Rehman, a prominent actor who ruled the Hindi film industry for several decades, was a pilot in the Royal Indian Air Force before venturing into acting. He later left his Air Force career to pursue his passion for cinema, where he achieved considerable success.
7. Rudrashish Majumder: From the Barracks to Bollywood
Rudrashish Majumder, seen in recent films like “Chhichhore” and “Jersey,” is another actor who traded his army uniform for the arc lights. He served as an officer in the Indian Army for nearly seven years before transitioning to the entertainment industry. His background in the military likely brings a unique discipline and perspective to his acting career.
These seven individuals exemplify that patriotism and a commitment to service can extend beyond the battlefield and into the creative fields. Their dedication to the nation, whether in uniform or on screen, serves as an inspiring reminder of the diverse ways one can contribute to India.