THE BRAVEHEART

Right after the release of 120 Bahadur, I met the ever-effervescent Farhan Akhtar. He walked into the venue with effortless ease, looking as sharp as ever. Greeting me with a warm smile, he seemed genuinely excited about what lay ahead. Farhan settled in quickly and promised me a fun interview. I, on the other hand, hoped I would finally get a glimpse into that fascinating mind of his. Directed by Razneesh Ghai, 120 Bahadur tells the story of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a Param Vir Chakra awardee. During our conversation, Farhan also shared an update on the Ranveer Singh-starrer Don 3 and spoke candidly about his vision for the women of our country. Read on...

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120 Bahadur is based on Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who received the Param Vir Chakra. What was the toughest part about playing this role?

I mean, it definitely was a challenge. It always is an added responsibility when you're portraying a real-life hero because his institution, the armed forces, his family, and the people who knew him will always expect you to do justice to the part. I approached it with that responsibility in mind. And then, of course, Razy (Razneesh Ghai), who directed the film, was very clear about the treatment and what he wanted to do, which made my work a little easier. But shooting in Ladakh, while beautiful, comes with its own set of challenges. We were there for a good eight or nine weeks, and all in all, it was a memorable experience.

What made you sign the film?

Well, 120 Bahadur is a true story, an extraordinary chapter from the 1962 Indo-China War. It's based on the Battle of Rezang La, an event that unfolded over a single unforgettable night, from 17 November into the early hours of the 18th. In that battle, 120 Indian soldiers, led by a young officer, held their ground against nearly 3,000 Chinese soldiers and prevented the post from being captured. As far as standalone battles go, it's truly one of a kind, something that has happened only a handful of times in military history across the world. The courage and resilience displayed that night have inspired thousands to join the armed forces over the decades. It's that spirit, that jazba, that deep, unwavering courage, that defines this story. We're genuinely fortunate to be able to bring this chapter of valour to the people of our country and share it on screen.