Several Bollywood actors, known for their on-screen patriotic roles, have a lesser-known history of serving the Indian Armed Forces in reality too.
From Nana Patekar to Bikramjeet Kanwarpal, these silver screen stars donned uniforms and served with honour.
Rudrashish Majumder -
Born on 5 March 1989, Major Rudrashish Majumder is a former Indian Army officer who transitioned into acting after completing seven years of military service, from 11 June 2011 to 7 July 2018. His educational journey includes time at Lycee School in Kolkata, followed by training at the Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehradun, the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune, and finally the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. He was cast in Chhichhore, Jersey, and Mrs Undercover.
Bikramjeet Kanwarpal -
Before earning recognition on screen, the late Bikramjeet Kanwarpal had already led a life of service in the Indian Army. Commissioned in 1989, he served with honour and retired as a Major in 2002. Deeply influenced by his father, Lieutenant Colonel Dwarka Nath Kanwarpal, he upheld military discipline and values throughout his acting journey. He appeared in the films such as Page 3, 2 States, and the television series 24.
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Gufi Paintal -
Long before achieving fame as the iconic Shakuni Mama in Mahabharata, Gufi Paintal answered the nation's call during the 1962 Indo-China War. At the time an engineering student, he was recruited straight from college and posted with an Artillery unit near the Chinese border.
Nana Patekar -
Veteran actor Nana Patekar once stepped beyond the screen to answer a genuine call of duty during the 1999 Kargil conflict. Although his initial request to serve was declined, his determination—bolstered by rigorous training with the Maratha Light Infantry for the film Prahaar—eventually persuaded then-Defence Minister George Fernandes to grant him a temporary commission. By August 1999, Patekar was officially serving the Indian Army as Captain.
Achyut Potdar -
Long before making his mark in Bollywood with roles in 3 Idiots and Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Achyut Potdar led a remarkably varied life. He began as an academic, later choosing to serve in the Indian Army, where he developed a strong foundation of discipline and resilience. After leaving the forces in 1967, Potdar transitioned to acting—only starting his film career at the age of 44.
Anand Bakshi -
Before rising to prominence as one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated lyricists, Anand Bakshi spent over a decade in uniform. From 1944 to 1956, he served in the Indian Navy.
Mohammed Ali Shah -
Mohammed Ali Shah, the nephew of veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, drew on real-life experience for his role as an army officer in Haider. Before entering the world of cinema, he had served for two years as an officer stationed along the Indo-Pak border—an experience that lent genuine credibility and depth to his performance on screen.
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