On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, let’s turn our eyes to who was Capt. Vikram Batra as played by Sidharth Malhotra in Shershaah. The war drama starring Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani and a slew of talent actor comes under producer Karan Johar’s banner. The film in all likelihood will be a retelling of the Kargil War and will show the viewers a glimpse of Captain Vikram Batra who fought in the war.
Details
Telegu film director Vishnuvardhan will be making his Bollywood film debut with Shershaah – a war biopic – and will show a sneak-peek into the life of popular Indian martyr Captain Vikram Batra. In the film, popular new-age actor Sidharth Malhotra will play the character of Batra and the film’s name is a homage to Captain Batra’s nickname Shershaah.
Watch the Trailer Here
First Tryst with the Army Life
Ahead of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, the trailer of Shershaah was released leading to many patriots to look back at the life of the ‘Sher of Kargil’, Captain Vikram Batra. Born on September 9, 1974 in Himachal Pradesh, Batra’s first tryst with the soldier life came when he joined the Air Wing of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) during the first year of his college.
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Being Posted in J&K Rifles Batt
A few years later, Batra started off his military career in December 1997 and was posted with the 13th battalion of J&K Rifles of Indian Army. With the increasingly worrisome incidents between India and Pakistan, Batra was called from Uttar Pradesh to join the Dras troops in 1999 when the Kargil War was about to begin.
Called for Action during Kargil War Height
After reaching Dras, Captain Batra was kept on reserve in the 2nd Rajputana Rifles battalion and was reporting to the 56 Mountain Brigade during this time. During one of the flashpoints in the Kargil War, his battalion was given the task to recapture a mountain ridge from the Pakistani troops. Given how he showed bravado amongst his peers, his senior gave him his nickname – ‘Shershaah’.
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“Yeh Dil Maange More” – Capturing Peak 5140
It was the dark, cold and gloomy June 20th when Batra was given the charge to led his team of soldiers and take control of the Peak 5140. Leading from front and center, Batra showed his mettle in the war field and indulged into gun-fight and even hand-to-hand tussle.
After capturing Peak 5140 from the Pakistani troops, Captain Batra finally communicated the same and gave a message saying – “Yeh Dil Maange More”, as a codeword. Little did he know that the four words will be used by popular soft-drink brand Pepsi in the coming years as a homage.
Reclaiming Peak 5140 – 16,000 ft above sea level
After reclaiming Peak 5140, he was assigned another challenging task of recapturing Point 4875 and raising the Indian flag on the peak. Sitting on top of the Mushkoh Valley, Point 4876 was located at around 16,000 feet above the sea level.
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Mission Turns Gory – Capt. Batra Excels
The recapturing became an increasingly gory affair with Captain Batra’s team assaulted from all the sides by the Pakistani troops. Running high on fever and already injured, the brave but wounded lion continued with his mission and distinguished himself amongst his peers for his presence of mind, and bravery.
Laying his Life for Saving Life of Fellow Comrade
During the conflict, he shot down multiple Pakistani soldiers. However, when one of his comrades was injured, Captain Batra turned his attention towards him. As he went on about saving him from the oncoming firing and tried to drag him to safety, Captain Batra was exposed to the enemy fire. He was shot multiple times and at that moment, an RPG splitter hit him in the head, awarding him martyrdom on the spot.
Being Awarded Param Vir Chakra
After his death, he was awarded Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime. His award citation stated-
“Captain Vikram Batra displayed the most conspicuous personal bravery and leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.”
