The Heroic Legacy of Major Mohit Sharma: The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Controversial Film Dhurandhar

Dhurandhar portrays an Indian soldier who penetrated terrorist organizations in Kashmir.

As Ranveer Singh's film Dhurandhar approaches its cinema release, controversy regarding his character and appearance has intensified significantly.

Many individuals, including Major Mohit Sharma's family, believe Ranveer's role draws inspiration from the late officer's real-life experiences. His family has filed a petition with the Delhi High Court, asserting that the film appears to be based on his life without obtaining their permission.

Who was Major Mohit Sharma? Born in Rohtak, Haryana, in 1978, Major Mohit Sharma served as an elite officer in the Indian Army's 1 Para Special Forces (Para SF). This highly specialized unit handles the most challenging, confidential, and hazardous operations. He entered the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1995.

Following his graduation from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), he was commissioned into the 5th Battalion of the Madras Regiment in December 1999. Throughout his service, he participated in numerous perilous counterinsurgency operations where soldiers infiltrated militant groups under covert identities.

In 2004, he executed one of his most audacious missions by going undercover and secretly joining a Hizbul Mujahideen group. For this operation, he created a completely fabricated identity - "Iftikhar Bhatt," posing as someone harboring resentment toward the Indian Army for allegedly killing his brother. He grew his hair long, maintained a thick beard, and dressed like locals. This strategy enabled the Army to gather vital intelligence and target key militant positions. For this achievement, he was awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry.

Five years later, in March 2009, Major Mohit Sharma was engaged in another high-risk operation in Kashmir's Kupwara district, a dense forest region notorious for infiltration routes and unpredictable combat situations. During this mission, he encountered heavy enemy fire.

Despite sustaining critical injuries, he continued leading his team from the front, engaged in close-quarter combat, and successfully eliminated four terrorists. He subsequently succumbed to his injuries. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, presence of mind, and ultimate sacrifice, he was posthumously decorated with the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award.

Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, centers around an Indian soldier who infiltrated terrorist groups in Kashmir. The star-studded cast includes Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna in significant roles.

The film is slated for theatrical release on December 5.