Operation Khukri: Randeep Hooda to lead as Major General Punia in war drama
Actor Randeep Hooda is set to star in a new war drama titled 'Operation Khukri', based on a real-life rescue mission by the Indian Army in 2000. The film will bring to light one of India's most daring and lesser-known military operations carried out in Sierra Leone, West Africa.The story follows 233 Indian soldiers who were part of a UN peacekeeping mission and were trapped by rebel forces for 75 days without food, water, or help. Surrounded deep inside enemy territory, these brave soldiers refused to give up.advertisementRandeep Hooda will play the role of Major General Raj Pal Punia, who at the time was a young officer and played a key role in leading the rescue mission to save his men. The film will showcase how he and his team fought intense jungle battles and managed to bring the soldiers home safely.
The movie is based on the bestselling book 'Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad', and the rights have been officially acquired by Rahul Mittra Films and Randeep Hooda Films.Speaking about the film, Randeep said to Variety, ''Operation Khukri' is a story that moved me deeply. It's not just a tale of guns and glory, but of sacrifice, brotherhood, and unyielding courage in the face of insurmountable odds. To step into the shoes of Major General Punia, a man who led his men out of a 75-day siege in an unknown land, is an honour and a responsibility. Our aim is to bring to life a chapter of Indian military history that deserves far more recognition - not just for the spectacle, but for the spirit of our soldiers who would rather die than surrender. I believe this story has the power to inspire every Indian.'On the work front, Randeep Hooda was last seen in an action drama titled 'Jaat' alongside Sunny Deol. He played the role of ruthless antagonist Ranatunga in the film.Must Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
15 minutes ago
- News18
Did You Know These 10 Shocking Facts About Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan's Marriage?
Published By : Entertainment Bureau Trending Desk Last Updated: June 03, 2025, 07:15 IST Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan got married in an intimate ceremony on June 3, 1973. (Images: Instagram) Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan's Wedding Anniversary: Haven't we watched countless Bollywood movies where an angry young man falls in love with an ever-charming woman? Well, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bahaduri's love story comes close to it. Nearly 52 years ago, on June 3, 1973, Amitabh tied the knot with Jaya; their marriage stood the test of time, turbulence, and tabloid gossip — all under the relentless spotlight of stardom. Ahead of the couple's wedding anniversary, here are 10 lesser-known facts about the couple: Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan's love story begins on film sets The superstars' love story dates back to 1970 when Jaya first noticed Amitabh Bachchan at the Pune Film Institute when he had accompanied filmmaker KA Abbas and others. Although Amitabh did not get the lead role in Guddi (1971), it set the stage for a deeper bond when they worked in Ek Nazar (1972). Amitabh Bachchan initially admired Jaya from afar While everyone knows their love blossomed on film sets, not many know that Bachchan initially admired Jaya from afar ever since he noticed her on a magazine cover. He was smitten by her traditional Indian beauty as he envisioned his ideal partner would be. Jaya and Amitabh met when he was a struggling actor When the couple first met, Jaya Bachchan was already an established actor while Amitabh was still struggling to find his space in Bollywood. The story behind Amitabh and Jaya's quick marriage The couple and their friends made a casual pact ahead of their 1973 flick Zanjeer's release that they would all travel to London if the film became a hit. Amitabh's parents, however, refused to let him travel with Jaya unless they were married. That's it! He quickly proposed, and Jaya responded with a yes. Within days, they were married in a private ceremony and left for London the same evening. Jaya says Amitabh is an unromantic lover Despite being one of India's most admired on-screen couples, the real-life romance between the two was anything but grand gestures and poetic declarations. During an appearance on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, Jaya revealed that Amitabh Bachchan was not a romantic. A quiet, complicated partnership Despite the ups and downs, including the storm of rumours around Amitabh's alleged affair with Rekha during the late 70s and early 80s, the couple never dignified the gossip. They held their silence even when Silsila (1981), directed by Yash Chopra, cast the trio in a film which seemingly blurred lines. Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan, despite all, did not allow their relationship to be fractured. Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan's alignment on family values The couple have always prioritised family and often spend quality time with their children and grandchildren. Reportedly, Jaya Bachchan even stepped back from acting and chose to raise Shweta and Abhishek while Amitabh continued to work in the film industry. In later interviews, the Goodbye actor acknowledged the sacrifice she made at the peak of her career. Amitabh's protective gesture over Jaya's name Jaya Bachchan did not change her name professionally despite getting married and it was a choice Amitabh supported her with. When someone suggested Jaya use her marital surname on film posters, the Sholay actor stood up for her, stated a Hindustan Times report. Jaya Bachchan's nickname for Amitabh According to media reports, Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan share nicknames; Jaya calls him 'Lambuji', a name even their daughter Shweta has adopted. A priest's protest over Amitabh Jaya's inter-caste union Another Indian Express report stated that the priest who was to officiate Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bahaduri's marriage initially protested their inter-caste union. Despite it all, the ceremony proceeded, albeit discreetly. Amitabh Bachchan-Jaya Bachchan's Iconic Movies Together Over the years, the couple has appeared together on-screen and given audiences iconic hits like Silsila. Apart from the 1981 film, here are other performances you can watch: Zanjeer: In the 1973 film, Amitabh played an 'angry young man' cop, and Jaya played a crucial role. This film showcased the chemistry between the couple. Abhimaan: The 1973 film is a poignant tale of love and jealousy and highlights their acting prowess and emotional depth. Sholay (1975): This Sippy film is a classic that remains a benchmark in Indian cinema, featuring its memorable performances. Chupke Chupke: The 1975 comedy film displays their versatility and ability to bring humour to their roles. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham: The Karan Johar film featured the couple in 2001 after a long gap. They played parental figures of a wealthy family. Mili: The film is a poignant love story where Jaya plays a terminally ill girl, and Amitabh's restrained performance as her love interest won hearts. Entertainment Bureau Entertainment Bureau brings you all updates from the world of entertainment -- breaking news, Twitter trends, features, movie reviews, exclusive interviews and photos of the biggest stars. Be it the newest kid ... Read More Entertainment Bureau brings you all updates from the world of entertainment -- breaking news, Twitter trends, features, movie reviews, exclusive interviews and photos of the biggest stars. Be it the newest kid ... Read More News movies Did You Know These 10 Shocking Facts About Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan's Marriage?
New Indian Express
21 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: I learned music secretly
A true maestro of the bansuri, his breath weaves magic through bamboo, enchanting audiences across the globe. From concert halls to sacred temples, his melodies flow like a river of devotion and artistry — that is Indian music director and master flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia for you. A recipient of many honours, including the Padma Vibhushan, Pt Hariprasad continues to inspire generations with his timeless music and boundless spirit. At the 10th Annual International Convention of SPIC MACAY at IIT-H, children affectionately gathered around him on stage, drawn by an unseen magnetism. With serene grace, he breathed life into raags like Madhuvanthi, Bheempalasi, and Pahadi. Awestruck, everyone joined their palms in reverence. Pt Hariprasad answered with a warm smile. But in conversation with CE, he confesses, 'I was so nervous about performing in front of so many people! But I thoroughly enjoyed myself and also made it a point to involve attendees as I performed. There was this little girl who sang so well as I played the flute — I was overcome with emotion.'
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Grandfather category': Usha Vance recalls how her kids bonded with PM Modi during India visit
Vance family's visit to India in April (ANI photo) US Vice President JD Vance's wife, Usha Vance, on Monday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his hospitality after the Vance family visited India in April. Usha said meeting PM Modi was very special, and her kids put him in the "grandfather category" after meeting him. "Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that was really very special. My kids saw him — they were sort of sleep-deprived in Paris, and they saw an Indian man with a white beard and white hair, and they just put him in the grandfather category immediately," Usha said. "They are very into him; they just love him, and he really cemented his status by giving our five-year-old a birthday present that day. When we were able to visit his home, they just sort of ran up. They were hugging him. He was just incredibly kind and generous to them," said US Second Lady Usha Vance on meeting PM Modi during their visit to India. Usha claimed that JD Vance had a very productive conversation with PM Modi, and the visit was a real opportunity for them to "cement the personal relationship." "I think it was a very productive conversation for JD Vance and the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), of course. But also, I think it was a real opportunity for us to kind of cement that personal relationship that they have, which I think is only to the good," she said. "There was a puppet show that was a particular highlight, with sort of puppeteering from all over the country, including from Andhra Pradesh, where my family is from. There were bits from the Ramayana, there were sort of comedic bits with animals, and it was a huge hit. My kids have been trying to recreate it at home with construction paper," said US Second Lady Usha Vance on meeting PM Modi and their visit to India. JD Vance, along with his family, was on a four-day visit to India, which was also his first official visit to the country since assuming office. JD Vance is married to Usha Chilukuri Vance, a Yale Law graduate and accomplished attorney whose family hails from Andhra Pradesh. Fluent in Telugu and deeply connected to her cultural heritage, Usha is one of the most prominent Indian-American women in conservative legal circles. She's also been a transformative influence in JD's life—not just personally, but spiritually.
