There are some moments in an actor’s life that go far beyond applause and box office numbers. For Ishaan Khatter, this turned out to be one of them. The actor recently received a rare honour from the Indian
Army, and going by his emotional reaction online, it’s something he will carry with him forever.
Ishaan has been conferred with honorary membership of the 45 Cavalry of the Indian Armoured Corps for playing Captain Balram Singh Mehta in Pippa. The recognition was given for his portrayal of a 45 Cavalry officer in the film and the respect he showed towards the regiment and its legacy.
The ceremony turned into a warm and emotional celebration for the actor. Ishaan shared several photos and videos from the special evening on social media, giving fans a glimpse of the memorable moments. One of the highlights was the commemorative plaque presented to him by military officials. The inscription on it read, “45 Cavalry Proudly Confers Upon Mr Ishaan Khattar The Privilege of Honorary Membership of the Officers’ Mess in recognition of his authentic portrayal of a 45 Cavalry officer in Pippa and his abiding respect for the Regiment’s ethos. Once A Cavalier, Always A Cavalier. Veer Bhogya Vasundhara.”
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The actor also posted cheerful moments from the gathering, including pictures with family members and loved ones who joined him for the occasion. In one fun photo, Ishaan struck a playful dance pose in a white formal shirt and black trousers. Another clip showed him dancing enthusiastically before inviting army officials and little children to join him on the dance floor.
A customised tennis cap carrying the insignia of the 45 Cavalry also featured in the carousel shared by the actor.
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Along with the pictures, Ishaan penned a heartfelt note that reflected how deeply the honour meant to him. He wrote, “The honour of a lifetime to be conferred upon an honorary membership of 45 Cavalry of the Indian Armoured Corps – which I may now proudly call my regiment! There is no bigger acknowledgment and I only hope to always be reliably and humbly in service in any which way I can be to the bravest and most honourable members of the Indian army. As somebody who came from a life far removed from military exposure, this is truly mind boggling for me. I only did my best as an artiste to bring authenticity to the role of a cavalier but this is fuel for a lifetime to keep giving my heart and soul to every role I essay. Conveying my deepest respect and many thanks for a lovely evening spent at the XLV Officers Mess. VEER BHOGYA VASUNDHARA. Jai hind.”
Directed by Raja Krishna Menon, Pippa was adapted from Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta’s memoir The Burning Chaffees. The war drama followed Captain Balram Singh Mehta and his siblings during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 on the eastern front, which eventually led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
Apart from Ishaan, the film also starred Mrunal Thakur, Priyanshu Painyuli and Soni Razdan in key roles.
The title Pippa was inspired by the PT-76 amphibious war tank used by the 45 Cavalry regiment. In Punjabi slang, “Pippa” refers to an empty ghee tin that floats on water — much like the tank that could move smoothly across rivers and marshlands.
