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Meet Major Shaitan Singh: The War Hero Behind Farhan Akhtar’s Film 120 Bahadur
Updated on: 21 November, 2025 04:37 PM IST |Shweta Shah
Who is Major Shaitan Singh, the hero in Farhan Akhtar’s Film 120 Bahadur?
Farhan Akhtar`s much-awaited war drama 120 Bahadur is already generating buzz for its compelling subject. But beyond the action and cinematic glory lies a name that truly defines courage and sacrifice — Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the legendary war hero whose bravery inspired the film.
Set against the backdrop of the 1962 Indo-China War, 120 Bahadur will recount the extraordinary tale of Major Shaitan Singh and the 120 soldiers of the 13 Kumaon regiment who stood their ground in the Battle of Rezang La, one of the most valiant last stands in Indian military history.
Born on December 1, 1924, in the princely state of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Shaitan Singh hailed from a family with a military legacy. His father, Lt Col Hem Singh Bhati, served in the Jodhpur Lancers.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Shaitan Singh was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment in 1949 after graduating from Jodhpur’s Jaswant College.
Also Read: 7 Actors Who Played Indian Army Officers On-Screen
In 1962, as tensions with China escalated, Major Singh was stationed in the icy heights of Ladakh’s Chushul sector, tasked with defending the strategically crucial Rezang La pass. On November 18, 1962, with only 120 soldiers under his command, Major Singh faced an attack by thousands of Chinese troops.
Also Read: 5 Bollywood Movie Dialogues That Will Ignite Your Patriotism
Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, he and his men held their post till the very end, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
Major Singh moved between platoons under heavy fire, inspiring his soldiers to fight until their last breath. Mortally wounded in the battle, he ensured his men continued to resist before succumbing to his injuries. His body was later found frozen in the snow, still clutching his weapon — a haunting symbol of unshakeable courage.
For his unmatched bravery, Major Shaitan Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India`s highest military decoration.
His heroic stand not only became a chapter in military history but also a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come.
Farhan Akhtar`s film aims to immortalise this lesser-known yet monumental story of bravery. With a strong focus on realism, 120 Bahadur promises to bring to light the personal and collective sacrifices of Indian soldiers during one of the nation’s toughest wars.
As India continues to honour its war heroes, Major Shaitan Singh Bhati’s tale stands tall — reminding us that true heroism lies in service, sacrifice, and unwavering love for the motherland.
Set against the backdrop of the 1962 Indo-China War, 120 Bahadur will recount the extraordinary tale of Major Shaitan Singh and the 120 soldiers of the 13 Kumaon regiment who stood their ground in the Battle of Rezang La, one of the most valiant last stands in Indian military history.
A Legacy of Bravery and Sacrifice
Born on December 1, 1924, in the princely state of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Shaitan Singh hailed from a family with a military legacy. His father, Lt Col Hem Singh Bhati, served in the Jodhpur Lancers. Following in his father’s footsteps, Shaitan Singh was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment in 1949 after graduating from Jodhpur’s Jaswant College.
Also Read: 7 Actors Who Played Indian Army Officers On-Screen
In 1962, as tensions with China escalated, Major Singh was stationed in the icy heights of Ladakh’s Chushul sector, tasked with defending the strategically crucial Rezang La pass. On November 18, 1962, with only 120 soldiers under his command, Major Singh faced an attack by thousands of Chinese troops.
Also Read: 5 Bollywood Movie Dialogues That Will Ignite Your Patriotism
Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, he and his men held their post till the very end, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
Major Singh moved between platoons under heavy fire, inspiring his soldiers to fight until their last breath. Mortally wounded in the battle, he ensured his men continued to resist before succumbing to his injuries. His body was later found frozen in the snow, still clutching his weapon — a haunting symbol of unshakeable courage.
Honoured with the Param Vir Chakra
For his unmatched bravery, Major Shaitan Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India`s highest military decoration. His heroic stand not only became a chapter in military history but also a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come.
The Story Comes to Life in 120 Bahadur
Farhan Akhtar`s film aims to immortalise this lesser-known yet monumental story of bravery. With a strong focus on realism, 120 Bahadur promises to bring to light the personal and collective sacrifices of Indian soldiers during one of the nation’s toughest wars.View this post on Instagram
As India continues to honour its war heroes, Major Shaitan Singh Bhati’s tale stands tall — reminding us that true heroism lies in service, sacrifice, and unwavering love for the motherland.
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