Latest news with #OperationKhukri
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Randeep Hooda on his upcoming projects: 'Fire in my belly to do the next'
Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda wishes to do films that can spark a "fire" in himself, something to drive his urge for more work. The 'Jaat' star recently opened up about his upcoming projects, giving subtle hints about the films in the pipeline. "I am currently in the stage where I have to choose. And that is what gives me the fire in my belly to do the next," he told ANI, in reference to his next releases. Hooda plays army Hero Pal Punia in 'Operation Khukri' Randeep Hooda has been on a busy slate lately, including 'Operation Khukri', which is based on the real-life events of 2000, when 233 Indian Army soldiers were taken hostage by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, West Africa. It was followed by a subsequent high-risk mission. Hooda will be seen in the role of Major General Pal Punia, then Company Commander of the 14th Mechanised Infantry, who played a key role in navigating the tense standoff and the rescue operation of the soldiers. The actor will also reunite with his 'Extraction' director Sam Hargrave for the upcoming action-thriller 'Matchbox' alongside John Cena. Based on the iconic Matchbox car line, the film will show the story of a group of childhood friends who come together to stop a global disaster. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Randeep Hooda was present at a launch event in Gurugram, the event saw the actor taking to the ramp, showasing his charismatic presence and stellar looks. He was dressed in a complete black ensemble, featuring a black suit with intricate work on the shoulders and chest. "My inspiration for outfits comes from the designer, and I think it looks fabulous. They have done fine work on the jacket," he added.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Randeep Hooda buys a luxurious home in Versova for Rs 5.63 crore: Report
Randeep Hooda has made a significant real estate investment, purchasing a new home in Mumbai's Versova for Rs 5.63 crore. The property, spanning approximately 1,530 square feet, is located in Andheri West. Hooda, last seen in 'Jaat', is preparing for 'Operation Khukri', a military drama based on the 2000 Sierra Leone hostage crisis. Randeep Hooda is making headlines once again—this time not for a gritty role or striking transformation, but for a major real estate move. The actor has reportedly purchased a plush new home in Mumbai's upscale Versova neighbourhood for Rs 5.63 crore, according to property registration records obtained from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and reviewed by Square Yards, Nestled in one of Mumbai's most sought-after suburbs, Andheri West offers strategic connectivity and many residential complexes, entertainment hubs, and modern office spaces have come up. The property has a built-up area of approximately 142.19 square meters (around 1,530 square feet). The transaction involved stamp duty payments amounting to Rs. 33.78 lakh and registration fees of Rs. 30,000, as detailed in official documentation. Randeep Hooda, who was last seen alongside Sunny Deol in Jaat, is gearing up to lead the military drama Operation Khukri. The film draws inspiration from one of the Indian Army 's most courageous peacekeeping missions abroad, recounting the 2000 hostage crisis in Sierra Leone, West Africa. It tells the gripping tale of 233 soldiers captured by rebel forces and the high-stakes rescue operation that followed. Recently, Randeep sparked buzz on social media when he shared an intriguing close-up photo on Instagram. The image shows the actor sporting a half-shaved head, wearing spectacles, and a simple T-shirt, his face clean-shaven. Accompanying the post, he captioned, 'What's the tea for this Tuesday? Coffee isn't the only thing that's brewing!' While Randeep has not officially revealed whether this new look is tied to an upcoming role, fans are already eager with guesses.
Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Randeep Hooda buys a sumptuous Versova home for Rs 5.63 crore
Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda has recently secured a new residential property in the Versova locality of Andheri West, Mumbai. According to property registration records obtained from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and reviewed by Square Yards, the deal was finalized in June 2025 for Rs. 5.63 crore. Nestled in one of Mumbai's most sought-after suburbs, Andheri West offers strategic connectivity and many residential complexes, entertainment hubs, and modern office spaces have come up. Also Read | Randeep Hooda slams Kangana Ranaut for calling Alia Bhatt 'mediocre': 'Such comments don't suit her' The property has a built-up area of approximately 142.19 square meters (around 1,530 square feet). The transaction involved stamp duty payments amounting to Rs. 33.78 lakh and registration fees of Rs. 30,000, as detailed in official documentation. Randeep Hooda, who was last seen alongside Sunny Deol in Jaat, is gearing up to lead the military drama Operation Khukri. The film draws inspiration from one of the Indian Army's most courageous peacekeeping missions abroad, recounting the 2000 hostage crisis in Sierra Leone, West Africa. It tells the gripping tale of 233 soldiers captured by rebel forces and the high-stakes rescue operation that followed. Recently, Randeep sparked buzz on social media when he shared an intriguing close-up photo on Instagram. The image shows the actor sporting a half-shaved head, wearing spectacles, and a simple T-shirt, his face clean-shaven. Accompanying the post, he captioned, 'What's the tea for this Tuesday? Coffee isn't the only thing that's brewing!' While Randeep has not officially revealed whether this new look is tied to an upcoming role, fans are already eager with guesses.
News18
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
What Was Operation Khukri, India's UN Mission In West Africa? Who's Making A Movie On It Now?
Last Updated: Operation Khukri, a 2000 rescue mission by Indian soldiers in Sierra Leone (West Africa) is being made into a film by Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda 25 years ago, deep in the chaos of war-torn Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, Indian soldiers etched a chapter of courage, sacrifice, and strategic brilliance into the annals of United Nations peacekeeping history. That covert mission, known as Operation Khukri, is set to hit the silver screen as a film with Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda at the helm as both director and lead actor. In the year 2000, Sierra Leone, one of the world's poorest countries, was gripped by civil war. The Revolutionary United Front (RUF), a rebel group notorious for its scorched-earth tactics and use of child soldiers, had plunged the West African nation into nearly a decade of conflict. Amid international efforts to restore order, the United Nations deployed a peacekeeping force, which included a strong Indian contingent. But peace was elusive. In a shocking turn of events, the RUF took hostage 222 soldiers and 11 military observers from various nations, confining them under appalling conditions for a staggering 233 days. The captives, deprived even of two proper meals a day, became pawns in a deadly standoff that exposed the fragility of UN peacekeeping efforts. Among the trapped was a company of Indian soldiers stationed in Kailahun, commanded by Major Rajpal Poonia. Lured away on the pretext of negotiations, Major Poonia was separated from his troops, who were soon surrounded and ordered to surrender. The Gorkha Regiments under his command, known for their unmatched grit, refused to lay down their arms. As pressure mounted, the situation veered toward a full-blown hostage crisis. When diplomacy failed, the Indian Army launched a bold military operation. The mission, codenamed Operation Khukri, would be remembered as one of the most audacious rescue efforts in peacekeeping history. At the time, the United Nations was reluctant to endorse a military response. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, himself a West African, was cautious, fearing political backlash. But back in India, public outrage was growing. The fate of the soldiers could no longer hang in diplomatic limbo. A highly-trained commando platoon of 120 Indian troops was deployed. British Chinook helicopters provided logistical support, setting the stage for a multi-pronged assault. On the morning of July 15, 2000, explosives shattered the walls of the besieged garrison. Simultaneously, Gorkha soldiers inside launched a counterattack, overpowering the RUF fighters and securing a breach. The escape was perilous. Torrential rains had turned the terrain into a quagmire. Trucks bogged down in mud, soldiers forced to push vehicles under fire, rebels giving chase. The mission was to extract not just the trapped troops but also 11 UN observers and several sick personnel. Chinooks carried out the most vulnerable, while others fought their way through 12 kilometres of hostile territory to Gehun, where they linked up with fresh reinforcements from the 18 Grenadiers. The final leg took them to Pendembu, a rebel-held town, which the Gorkhas captured after a firefight. The operation was a resounding success: 34 rebels killed, 150 wounded, and only seven Indian soldiers injured. Not a single peacekeeper was lost. To honour this remarkable feat, Sierra Leone later built the 'Khukri War Memorial' on the banks of the Moa River, a rare tribute by a foreign nation to Indian military heroism. Major Rajpal Poonia, who eventually rose to the rank of Major General, documented the mission in his book Operation Khukri: The True Story Behind the Indian Army's Most Successful Mission as Part of the United Nations. The book serves not just as a chronicle of military strategy but also of human endurance. Now, that story is making its way to the big screen. Randeep Hooda, known for his intense roles and immersive storytelling, has acquired the rights to Poonia's book and will both direct and star in the upcoming film adaptation. 'The story of Operation Khukri moved me deeply," Hooda said in a statement, adding that it is a story of sacrifice, brotherhood, and holding on to courage in the darkest moments. Slated to be a high-octane war drama infused with patriotic fervour, the film aims to bring global attention to a forgotten saga of valour far from Indian shores. Operation Khukri stands as a rare example of an international peacekeeping success under dire circumstances. It was a testament to India's military ethos, summarised by former Army Chief General JJ Singh who said that Indian Army soldiers chose 'death over cowardice, honour over two meals a day, and dignity over freedom". First Published:
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Randeep Hooda to feature in military-drama based on Operation Khukri
Randeep Hooda is set to feature in a war-drama set around Operation Khukri, a military operation led by the Indian Army in West Africa's Sierra Leone in 2000. The film will be based on the book Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad, written by Major General Raj Pal Punia along with his daughter Damini Punia. It tells the story of 233 soldiers who were held hostage in Sierra Leone by rebel forces and the high risk recuse mission undertaken. The adaptation rights of the book have been exclusively secured by Rahul Mittra Films and Randeep Hooda Films.
