Battle of Galwan actor Vipin Bhardwaj: Soldiers’ sacrifices should never be forgotten

After Crackdown, Vipin Bhardwaj is set to make his Bollywood debut with Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan. For the actor, the film goes far beyond cinema and carries deep emotional and national significance. This also marks his second collaboration with filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia.

Reflecting on his association with Apoorva, Vipin shares that preparation has always been central to his process. He says, “I write a backstory for all my characters. During the script reading of Crackdown, I went to Apoorva sir with several questions. He appreciated that I had read the script thoroughly. I stayed connected with him and would run every opportunity past him first. He has always guided me and has been observing my work for the last five years.”

The actor admits he was taken aback when he was considered for Battle of Galwan. He adds, “I was shocked when I found out that sir had thought of me for such a big film. I was determined to give the character my all. I auditioned for two roles, and once I was selected, I I worked on my look to mirror the real-life hero. I was really happy when sir appreciated my audition.”

Sharing why stories like Galwan deserve to be highlighted, Vipin believes many Indians remain unaware of the realities of such conflicts. He says, “These stories should be shown in films and taught in books, especially to children, so they understand the sacrifices made for our freedom. The Galwan clash is one of the rarest battles where no bullets were fired, yet so many soldiers were martyred. Our Army never stepped back.”

For Vipin, the subject is deeply personal. He says, “They live and die for people they have never even met. I feel this strongly because my grandfather was in the Army and was martyred when my father was just six years old.”

Recalling the impact of that loss on his family, Vipin adds, “My father had to start working at a very young age, and my grandmother raised him through immense hardship. I have never even seen my grandfather. I don’t even have a photograph of him.”

Calling it a shared responsibility, Vipin concludes, “Soldiers give their entire lives for us. The least we can do is take time to understand their stories. They lay down their lives with courage and dignity, without hesitation. These sacrifices should never be forgotten. Every battle, big or small, matters.”


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