Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata Real Story: Kangana Ranaut Film Honours Brave Nurses Who Defied Terror On 26/11

Kangana

Ranaut's upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata revisits one of the darkest nights in India's history and shines a light on a group of unsung heroes whose courage saved hundreds of lives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Set inside Mumbai's Cama and Albless Hospital, the Manoj Tapadia-directed film focuses on the nurses, ward boys, cleaners, security personnel and hospital staff who protected patients while terrorists wreaked havoc across the city. Scheduled for release on June 12, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata draws inspiration from the extraordinary acts of bravery displayed by ordinary people on November 26, 2008.

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata real story

The 26/11 attacks claimed 166 lives, left hundreds injured and traumatised millions of Indian citizens. While much of the public memory surrounding the attacks centers on iconic locations such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the Oberoi Trident, the story of Cama Hospital is one of the most remarkable chapters from that tragic night. Amid the chaos, the staff of the 367-bed Cama Hospital found themselves facing a terrifying situation when terrorists moved toward the hospital premises after opening fire at CST station. One of the real-life heroes whose story inspired the film is nurse Anjali Kulthe. Speaking about the horrifying events of that night, Kulthe, in a conversation with NDTV years after the attack, recalled receiving information around 9:30 pm that terrorists were heading toward the hospital. Soon after, gunshots echoed through the area.

Looking out of a hospital window, she witnessed two terrorists running while police personnel attempted to stop them. Moments later, the attackers entered the hospital compound after shooting security guards stationed at the entrance. According to Kulthe, the terrorists spotted hospital staff members looking out from the window and opened fire, injuring one of the workers. Realising the gravity of the situation, she immediately alerted everyone inside the hospital that terrorists had entered the premises.What followed was an extraordinary display of courage and presence of mind.

How healthcare workers saved hundreds of patients

Kulthe quickly shut the main doors of the ward and moved 20 pregnant women into a small 10x10 pantry. To avoid detection, mobile phones were switched off, lights were turned out and everyone sat silently in darkness while gunfire continued outside. The situation became even more complicated when one of the patients, a woman suffering from hypertension and considered a high-risk case, suddenly went into labour. With a fierce gun battle going on inside and around the hospital, doctors were unable to reach the ward.Refusing to abandon her patient, Kulthe carefully escorted the woman to the labour room using the staircase, moving one step at a time while staying close to the wall to avoid danger. Despite the terrifying circumstances, the patient safely delivered a baby girl by the following morning. In a touching tribute to the unforgettable night, the child was later named 'Goli.'

The hospital remained under attack for nearly five hours. During that period, hospital staff worked tirelessly and selflessly to keep patients safe. They locked wards, maintained calm and prevented terrorists from gaining access to vulnerable patients.

The deadly 26/11 attacks

The bravery of the staff became even more significant considering the violence unfolding outside. Terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail Khan had already carried out deadly attacks at CST before moving toward Cama Hospital. The attackers later ambushed a police vehicle carrying senior officers. Among those killed were Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar and Additional Commissioner of Police Ashok Kamte. Several other police personnel also lost their lives in the attack. Constable Arun Jadhav was the lone survivor despite sustaining severe injuries.While police officers fought the terrorists outside, hospital employees fought a different battle within the building - one to protect lives through courage, discipline and compassion. Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata is honouring those unsung heroes. Rather than focusing on the terrorists or the violence, the film will reportedly show the resilience of healthcare workers and support staff who chose duty over fear. Alongside Kangana Ranaut, the film features Girija Oak, Smita Tambe, Amrutha Namdev, Esha Dey, Priya Berde, Asha Shelar, Suhita Thatte, Rasika Aghase, Aditya Mishra and Zahid Khan.