Kargil Vijay Diwas: Meet the National Award-winning actor who joined Indian Army during Kargil War, was deployed at the border

Time of India

26-07-2025

During the Kargil War in 1999, Bollywood actor Nana Patekar, known for his on-screen portrayals of strong characters, took his patriotism beyond acting. He sought permission to join the military effort, drawing on his prior army training for the film 'Prahaar'. Deployed near the Line of Control, he provided logistical and moral support to soldiers, embodying civilian courage and dedication.
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From Reel Patriotism to Real Action
Serving at the Edge of Conflict
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The Larger Battle for the Peaks
A Lasting Symbol of Civilian Courage
As war clouds loomed over the icy peaks of Kargil in 1999, it wasn't just trained soldiers who stepped up to defend the nation—some civilians, too, felt an unshakable urge to contribute. Among them stood a name not unfamiliar to the public: veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar . On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas , it is worth revisiting how this acclaimed performer stepped far beyond the arc lights to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with real-life heroes in one of the most treacherous conflicts of recent memory.Renowned for portraying complex, powerful characters in Indian cinema, Nana Patekar had always shown a deep fascination with the armed forces. This admiration didn't remain confined to movie scripts or acting roles. Back in the early 1990s, while preparing for his film Prahaar—which delved into the rigors of military life—he immersed himself in actual army training with the Maratha Light Infantry for three years. This firsthand experience was not just for artistic accuracy; it left a lasting imprint on his values and outlook.When the Kargil War erupted in May 1999, he was not content to merely support the cause through words or public appearances. Determined to take meaningful action, he approached top army officers with a request to join the military effort at the border. His offer was initially declined. However, his persistent spirit led him to seek the intervention of then Defence Minister George Fernandes. By invoking his earlier military training, he convinced the authorities to allow his participation in the ongoing conflict.In August 1999, when the main combat had begun to ease but the situation remained volatile, Nana Patekar was finally deployed in the Kargil region. He was attached to a Quick Response Team (QRT) operating near the Line of Control (LoC), the fragile boundary separating Indian and Pakistani military positions. Though not involved in direct combat, he worked alongside soldiers in volatile zones and offered logistical and moral support.Beyond the battlefield, Patekar also extended his services to a military base hospital, where he contributed to the treatment of wounded troops. The harsh environment tested his physical endurance. The bitter cold, rugged terrain, and austere conditions caused him to lose nearly 20 kilograms—shedding light on the taxing physical conditions soldiers endure daily. Despite this strain, he viewed the experience as one of deep emotional fulfillment.The Kargil War, fought from May to July 1999, unfolded in the mountainous terrain of Ladakh's Kargil district, then part of the larger Jammu and Kashmir region. The conflict stemmed from the stealthy incursion of Pakistani soldiers—disguised as militants—who occupied key Indian positions along the LoC. This confrontation evolved into a high-altitude war between India and Pakistan.India's military launched a counteroffensive named Operation Vijay to reclaim the occupied territories. The Indian Air Force also collaborated with ground forces under a parallel mission, Operation Safed Sagar, delivering aerial support and reconnaissance. The combined operations succeeded in pushing back the infiltrators, but the toll on both human life and national morale was severe.In choosing to serve amidst conflict, Nana Patekar didn't just honor the spirit of patriotism—he exemplified it. His decision to move from screen heroics to frontline duty stands as a powerful reminder that courage is not bound by profession. His story remains an enduring chapter in India's narrative of unity, sacrifice, and unbreakable resolve.