Border 2 Brings Major Hoshiar Singh's War Story to Life with Varun Dhawan
The upcoming film Border 2 is generating significant buzz ahead of its release. This sequel to the 1997 classic Border promises to delve deeper into the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. It features an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. The narrative will showcase coordinated efforts by the Indian army, navy, and air force during the conflict.
Varun Dhawan Steps into the Shoes of a War Hero
Varun Dhawan takes on the pivotal role of Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya of the 3 Grenadiers regiment. Major Singh received India's highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra, for his extraordinary bravery. He displayed immense courage during the Battle of Basantar, fighting valiantly despite sustaining injuries.
In a 1997 interview, Major Hoshiar Singh recounted the intense events of that battle. His company was ordered to cross the Basantar River and capture the village of Jarpal from Pakistani forces. The area was heavily fortified with minefields, tanks, and ammunition. Against formidable odds, his unit successfully secured the village by midnight on December 15.
The Fierce Battle of Basantar and a Fellow Martyr
The strategic importance of Jarpal made it a fiercely contested location. Pakistani forces launched multiple counterattacks to reclaim it. On December 16, they initiated a series of assaults starting with infantry at 8 AM, followed by tank attacks at noon and 4 PM.
"There were three consecutive tank attacks and we managed to destroy 40-45 enemy tanks," Major Singh recalled. He somberly added that it was during this ferocious tank battle that Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was martyred. Khetarpal's own heroic story was recently depicted in the film Ikkis.
Major Hoshiar Singh's Account of Pakistani Losses
The fighting intensified on December 16 and 17. Pakistani forces attacked from two flanks—with tanks on one side and infantry on the other. Major Singh stated, "Isme bhi unhone badi maar khayi," meaning they also suffered heavy losses here. He estimated that Pakistani casualties included 300-350 soldiers and numerous tanks. His unit recovered and returned the bodies of 97 Pakistani soldiers.
It was during this relentless combat that Major Hoshiar Singh himself was wounded. Despite his injuries, he continued to lead his men. A ceasefire was eventually declared. On December 18, a Pakistani Brigade Commander approached under a white flag to collect the remains of their fallen soldiers and formally withdraw.
Recognition and Legacy of a Braveheart
Following the ceasefire, an Indian Brigade Commander assessed the battlefield and commended Major Singh for his gallant leadership under fire. President V.V. Giri later presented him with the Param Vir Chakra at a special ceremony in New Delhi.
Major Hoshiar Singh served in the Indian Army until his retirement in 1988. He passed away in 1998 at the age of 61 due to a cardiac arrest. Border 2 aims to immortalize his sacrifice and the valor of countless soldiers for a new generation of audiences.
