While India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas, we honor not just the brave soldiers guarding our borders but also the families who remain steadfastly behind them. A few of Bollywood’s top female actors belong to such families—born and brought up in the disciplined, service-oriented culture of Army, Navy, or Air Force families. These actresses take their military upbringing into their personal and professional lives. Amid these celebrations, the spirit of Kargil Diwas resonates through their lives.
Here’s a glimpse of Bollywood stars who grew up in the shadow of the uniform.
Anushka Sharma: Daughter of a Kargil Hero
Anushka Sharma’s father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, fought in the Kargil War. Having grown up in Army cantonments all over India, Anushka imbibed discipline and flexibility at an early age. She owes her humble, rom-like childhood for the down-to-earth outlook she possesses even now, which, on occasions like Kargil Diwas, she continues to honor.
She was born to Army physicians Dr. Ashok and Madhu Chopra. Priyanka grew up shuttling between military installations. She attributes her upbringing with a multicultural perspective and mental toughness—a skill set that benefited her across the globe, from Bollywood to Hollywood. This upbringing finds its echo in Kargil Diwas as a tribute to all military families.
Nikita Dutta: Navy Roots, Strong Values
Actress Nikita Dutta’s father, Anil Kumar Dutta, was a member of the Indian Navy. Learning discipline and adaptability was a byproduct of growing up in a defense family. She frequently talks about the unpublicized sacrifices faced by naval families and the role they played in shaping her personality, such as during the commemoration of Kargil Diwas.
**Rakul Preet Singh: Childhood in the Northeast
Rakul’s dad, Army officer Rajender Singh, had postings along the Manipur border. The family resided in Aizawl, Mizoram, for more than three years. She reminisces about her childhood spent in cantonments as one that was full of adventure, learning management of time and discipline. This makes occasions like Kargil Diwas particularly poignant for her.
Sushmita Sen: Poise from the Air Force
Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen is the daughter of Wing Commander Shubeer Sen of the Indian Air Force. Educated at Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute in Delhi, she attributes her confidence and strength to her military upbringing. Each Kargil Diwas is a bittersweet reflection of her roots and the sacrifices made by many.
Preity Zinta: Grace Through Grief
Preity Zinta lost her father, Army officer Durganand Zinta, to a road accident when she was 13 years old. Even with the loss, she attributes her independent, tough, and mentally tough nature to her military background—traits that defined her career. Such resilience is a testament celebrated during Kargil Diwas.
More Than Stars: Women of Substance
These actors didn’t merely don the uniform on screen—they lived in its shadow, guided by a morality of strength, service, and bravery. On Kargil Diwas, we celebrate the families behind the troops, and the women who bring that legacy into the limelight, honoring the courage that shapes them.
