Varun Dhawan's character seems to have been inspired by Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, the Param Vir Chakra awardee who was one of India’s bravest soldiers. But who was Colonel Hoshiar Singh? Read on to know about his life and his exemplary bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.
Early life
Hoshiar Singh was born on 5 May 1937 in the village of Sisana, located on the Rohtak–Sonipat road in Haryana. His father, Chaudhary Hira Singh, was a respected farmer, and his mother, Mathuri Devi, was a homemaker known for her warmth and simplicity.
He was married to Dhanno Devi at a young age and went on to have three sons. After completing his schooling in his village and studying briefly at Jat College, Rohtak, he chose a life of service and joined the Indian Army.
Joining the Army
On 30 June 1963, Hoshiar Singh was commissioned into the 3rd Grenadiers Regiment. His first posting was in the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). As a young officer, he also fought in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, gaining valuable battlefield experience.
But it was during the 1971 war that he etched his name into history.
The Battle that made him a legend
During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, the Indian Army launched a major offensive in the Shakargarh Sector. The 3rd Grenadiers were tasked with crossing the Basantar River, a tributary of the Ravi River that flows in the states of Punjab and Samba in Jammu and Kashmir. The area was heavily mined and fiercely defended by Pakistani forces.
At the time, Major Hoshiar Singh's mission was to capture Jarpal, a strongly fortified enemy position.
Fighting the odds
As the company he was commanding advanced, they were met with intense shelling and machine-gun fire. Despite the danger, Major Singh led from the front and fought in hand-to-hand combat to secure the objective.
Over the next two days, the enemy launched multiple counterattacks, including assaults supported by tanks and heavy artillery. Unfazed by the relentless bombardment, Major Hoshiar Singh moved from trench to trench, motivating his men and inspiring them to hold their ground.
Wounded but unbroken
On 17 December, the enemy launched a massive attack with an entire battalion. Major Singh was seriously wounded, yet he refused to leave the battlefield.
When an enemy shell destroyed a medium machine-gun post, injuring its crew, Major Singh immediately rushed forward. Despite his injuries, he took control of the machine gun himself and opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and turning the tide of the battle.
The enemy finally retreated, leaving behind 85 dead soldiers, including their Commanding Officer and three other officers.
Even after sustaining severe injuries, Major Hoshiar Singh refused evacuation until the ceasefire was declared.
Brig. Hoshiar Singh with Chief army staff Gen Manekshaw 1972
Awarded the highest honour
For his exceptional bravery, leadership, and indomitable spirit, Major Hoshiar Singh was awarded India’s highest military honour the Param Vir Chakra.
He later retired from the Army with the rank of Colonel.
Legacy
Colonel Hoshiar Singh passed away on 6 December 1998, but his legacy lives on as a symbol of courage, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to the nation. Not just Varun Dhawan, but Mohanlal had also played a character inspired by his life in the 2017 Malayalam film, 1971: Beyond Borders.
His story is not just about war; it is about leading from the front, standing firm against impossible odds, and putting duty above life itself.
