'A dream has come true'

True passion: Malayalam movie star Mohanlal at the event in New Delhi on Thursday. PIC/MID DAY

Says Honorary Colonel Mohanlal as he is inducted into the Territorial Army

We have seen Mohanlal don the Olives several times on screen. But this time the Malayalam cine superstar did it for real. As he became an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army on Thursday, the actor couldn't hide his enthusiasm. He saluted all the senior Army officers present at the ceremony, including Chief of Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor, and even extended the courtesy to his wife, who broke into a laugh.

"It is a proud moment for me and my family. I have played the role of a soldier so many times on screen but I always wanted to feel it for real. A dream has come true," said Mohanlal, after General Kapoor piped him.

"It's a great honour for me and my family. Through my movies I got involved with the lives of soldiers, their pains and their way of life. I have always wished to contribute to the armed forces," he said.

The star's enthusiasm showed in his soldier-like conduct, leaving many officers at the ceremony impressed. "He did it like a real soldier. He was very confident and his marching as well as salutes were perfect," said an officer. Later, the actor met Defence Minister AK Antony. The minister also expressed his happiness with the Territorial Army getting a new brand ambassador in the form a popular actor both in South Indian movies and in Bollywood.