Updated on: 13 August, 2024 05:58 PM IST |Shweta Shah
As we inch closer to celebrating the 78th Independence Day 2024, we take pride in the Indian armed forces who protect our country selflessly. Not on just any special day, but every day. On the special occasion of Independence Day, heres a look at actors and celebrities who once served in the Indian armed forces.
1. Bikramjeet Kanwarpal
The celebrated Indian actor, who started with TV shows like Adaalat, went on to become a prominent part of movies and OTT releases like The Ghazi Attack, Special Ops, Rocket Singh, and 2 States, among others.Bikramjeet Kanwarpal was born into an army family, and after completing his education, he too was commissioned in the Indian army in 1989. He retired in 2002 and made his acting debut in 2003.
Unfortunately, he passed away in May 2021 at the age of 52 due to coronavirus complications.
2. Rudrashish Majumder
The army man turned actor has acted in several films like Chhichhore, Hawa Singh, Mrs. Undercover, and Jersey. He also grabbed some commercials for big brands such as Coca-Cola and MG Hector. However, few people know he once served in the Indian Army.Rudrashish Majumder joined the National Defense Academy and Indian Military Academy (Dehradun) in 2011 and retired in 2018. His last Bollywood stint was with Shahid Kapoor in Jersey.
3. Anand Bakshi
One of the wordsmiths and music maestros of India, Anand Bakshi, had penned over 3,000 songs over nearly five decades. Some of his popular songs include Do Lafzo Ki Hai (The Great Gambler), Accha Toh Hum Chalte Hai (Aan Milo Sajna), and Kuch Toh Log Kahenge (Amar Prem), among others.But did you know that before joining Bollywood, Bakshi served in the Royal Indian Navy in 1944? However, after the partition, he joined the Indian Army and served until 1956. He often used to write songs and poems about the Indian armed forces.
Anand Bakshi passed away in 2002 at the age of 71. He is still remembered as one of the greatest lyricists the Hindi film industry has witnessed.
4. Gufi Paintal
The actor who played the cunning and menacing Shakuni Mama in the Mahabharata once revealed that during his engineering days, a war between India and China started in 1962. During that time, there were direct recruitments from colleges happening for the Indian Army.Gufi Paintal was always fascinated by the armymen so he grabbed the opportunity and was placed in the Army Antillery on the China border.
5. Achyut Potdar
Remember the infamous professor from 3 Idiots whose phrase "Kehna kya chahte ho?" became an internet sensation? Yes, we are talking about the veteran actor Achyut Potdar, who has entertained us with movies like Dabangg 2, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Parineeta, and more.He served as a captain in the Indian Army and served until 1967. He began his acting career at the age of 44.
