Did you know Bollywood actor Nana Patekar served briefly in Indian Army during 1999 Kargil War?

While many Bollywood stars have played real-life Bravehearts on screen and thus paid tribute to soldiers of the Indian Army, Bollywood actor Nana Patekar took this a step ahead. On Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024, did you know he fought alongside the Indian army during the 1999 Kargil War?

Nana Patekar fought alongside Indian army during 1999 Kargil War

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The veteran actor, known for his exceptional acting in movies like Tirangaa, Welcome, Parinda and Krantiveer among others, was a member of the Quick Reaction Team during the conflict. "Eventually I was a member of the Quick Reaction Team. It is one of the most elite forces. Itna sa toh kuch hum kar sakte hai desh ke liye (At least we can do this for the country)," he had once revealed to The Lallantop in an interview.

What is a Quick Reaction Team?

I am so surprised that people don¡¯t know about Nana Patekar¡¯s involvement in Kargil War of 1999.

I still remember there was a news that his unit caught some Pakistani intruders and made them massage Indian soldiers who were tired by climbing. Unable to find the newspaper¡­ pic.twitter.com/U2zYk2c89k

¡ª Siddharth's Echelon (@SiddharthKG7) June 24, 2024

The QRT in a military context refers to a small but trained unit that is prepared to act in situations of emergency. They are usually on standby and are deployed quickly to provide medical assistance, security, or any kind of support needed by the Indian army. They are trained to react swiftly and effectively to a wide range of contingenciesAlso Read: Honour the heroes! 5 inspiring movies that will awaken the patriot in you on Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024

and their main mission is security and reconnaissance.

Nana Patekar was the Captain of the Indian Territorial Army in 1990

Nana Patekar was given honorary rank of Captain in the Indian Territorial Army in 1990 after completing a three-year training period in preparation for the movie Prahaar, in which he played the role of Major Pratap Chauhan. The action drama film was written and directed by him. The Territorial Army (TA), for the unversed, is a military reserve force composed of part-time volunteers who provide support services to the Indian Army. During the filming of the movie, he also worked with General VK Singh, the former four-star General in the Indian Army, who also made a cameo appearance in the movie.

Furthermore, during the Kargil War in 1999, Patekar also served as a Major in the Maratha Light Infantry regiment. According to an India Today report, Nana Patekar spent a fortnight living alongside soldiers during the Kargil War. Recalling the time, he told the publication, "Our greatest weapon is not the Bofors, nor the AK, but our jawans."

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