Every year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day marked in memory of the valiant soldiers who fought and laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. The bravery, grit, and sacrifice of these heroes have been etched in the nation’s history forever. These tales of valour and courage have also been powerfully recreated on screen. Over the years, Bollywood and digital platforms have brought these heroic tales to life through compelling performances. Here's a look at the stars who played Kargil war heroes on screen.
Updated On: 2025-07-26 07:40 PM IST
Compiled by : Amarylisa Gonsalves
Sidharth Malhotra was seen playing the role of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC) in this heartwrenching biopic in the 2021 Shershaah.
Janhvi Kapoor played Gunjan Saxena in this biopic. Gunjan fulfilled her dream of becoming a pilot after being drawn by the idea of a life in a cockpit. Despite the reservations, she served the country in the Kargil War.
Ajay Devgn played Major Manoj Kumar Pandey (PVC) in the 2003 film LOC: Kargil (2003)
Sanjay Dutt was seen in the role of Colonel Y.K. Joshi in LOC: Kargil, released in 2003.
2003's LOC Kargil also had actor Akshaye Khanna playing the role of Captain Balwan Singh.
Suniel Shetty portrayed the brave soldier, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, who single-handedly charged enemy bunkers. He was awarded the PVC for his fearless assault under fire.
Saif Ali Khan was seen as Captain Anuj Nayyar, a young officer from the Jat Regiment who captured a key bunker in the Poonch sector and was posthumously honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra, in LOC Kargil.
Ajay Devgn played Havaldar Mohammad Ali, a battle-hardened and principled BSF jawan who mentors a young soldier, played by Bobby Deol in the 2005's Tango Charlie.
Abhishek Bachchan first played Capt. Vikram Batra in LOC: Kargil in 2003, bringing courage to the screen, though in a more ensemble narrative.
Nagarjuna Akkineni played Major Padmapani Acharya, a calm and composed officer who fought bravely despite heavy fire. He succumbed to injuries and was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
Hrithik played a fictional character, Karan Shergill, in 2004's Lakshya, whose journey from an aimless young man to a courageous army officer was set against the backdrop of the Kargil War.
From Sidharth Malhotra’s stirring portrayal of Captain Vikram Batra in Shershaah to the ensemble cast of LOC: Kargil, these actors have stepped into the shoes of real-life warriors.
