Actor Sidharth Malhotra paid tribute to Captain Vikram Batra, the Kargil War hero, on the 25th anniversary of his death, highlighting his legacy of “bravery and honour.” Captain Batra, whose codename was Sher Shah, remains a symbol of courage for his fearless actions during the Kargil War in 1999.
Sidharth Malhotra’s Tribute to a Real-Life Hero
Sidharth Malhotra, who portrayed Captain Vikram Batra in the 2021 biographical film “Shershaah,” shared a heartfelt post on social media to mark the occasion. “Param Vir Chakra, Captain Vikram Batra, it’s been 25 years since your fearless actions and ultimate sacrifice made history. Your legacy to this day remains the highest ideals of bravery and honor,” Malhotra wrote on X, accompanied by an archival photo of the war hero.
The Heroic Legacy of Captain Vikram Batra
Captain Vikram Batra led his troops from the 13th battalion of the JAKRIF regiment of the Indian Army during the Kargil War. On July 7, 1999, at the age of 24, he was killed in action while fighting Pakistani forces. His unparalleled bravery earned him the posthumous award of Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry honor.
Known by titles such as the ‘Tiger of Drass,’ the ‘Lion of Kargil,’ and the ‘Kargil Hero,’ Captain Batra’s victory slogan, “Yeh dil mange more,” remains etched in the nation’s memory. “We remember and honor you today and always for ‘Yeh Dil Mange More’. Jai Hind #CaptainVikramBatra #25YearsOfKargilVijay #Kargil,” Malhotra added in his tribute.
Every year on July 26, India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the country’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this significant event.
Directed by Vishnuvardhan, “Shershaah” was released directly on Prime Video in 2021 and featured Sidharth Malhotra in the dual roles of Captain Vikram Batra and his twin brother, Vishal Batra. The film received critical acclaim and was well-received by audiences for its emotional narrative and touching soundtrack, including songs like “Raataan Lambiyan” and “Mann Bharryaa.”
“Shershaah” won the Special Jury Award at the 69th National Film Awards, further cementing its impact. The film also starred Kiara Advani, who played Dimple Cheema, Captain Batra’s fiancée. Other notable cast members included Shiv Panditt, Raj Arjun, Pranay Pachauri, Himanshu Ashok Malhotra, Nikitin Dheer, Anil Charanjeett, Sahil Vaid, Shataf Figar, and Pawan Chopra. It was produced by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment.
In a delightful turn of events, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, who shared on-screen chemistry in “Shershaah,” tied the knot in February 2023, two years after the film’s release. Their union has been celebrated by fans and the film industry alike.
