Best On-Screen Patriotic Characters Played By Bollywood Actors

Bollywood has a long history of celebrating the spirit of patriotism. As we honour the nation today on Independence Day, let’s take a moment to look at some of the best on-screen patriotic roles done by Bollywood actors.

 

 Akshay Kumar – Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty, Baby, Kesari

Akshay Kumar has become a go-to actor for films that blend action with patriotism. In Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty, he’s a soldier on leave who uncovers and foils a terrorist plot, showing that a soldier’s duty never truly ends. In Baby, he leads a covert team to neutralize terror threats, showcasing the grit and intelligence of India’s intelligence agents. And as Havildar Ishar Singh in Kesari, he portrays a real-life hero leading 21 Sikh soldiers in a valiant last stand against a massive Afghan army, which was a story of extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.

Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna – Border

Few roles are as iconic as Sunny Deol’s portrayal of Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri in Border. His powerful dialogue delivery and intense performance captured the essence of a leader rallying his troops during the Battle of Longewala. Supported extremely well by characters of Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, and Akshaye Khanna, Border was a huge success. The film remains a timeless tribute to the Indian Army’s courage and an example of patriotic cinema.

Sidharth Malhotra – Shershaah

Sidharth Malhotra’s role as Captain Vikram Batra in Shershaah was a career-defining performance for him. He brought to life the story of a real-life hero from the Kargil War, showing not just his bravery on the battlefield but also the personal journey of a young man driven by love for his country. His performance was both inspiring and deeply moving.’

Vicky Kaushal – URI: The Surgical Strike, Sardar Udham, Sam Bahadur

In URI: The Surgical Strike, Vicky Kaushal delivers an unforgettable performance as Major Vihaan Singh Shergill, leading a team on a daring retaliatory mission. The film is a powerful tribute to the special forces. In Sardar Udham, he transforms into the revolutionary freedom fighter, detailing the life of a man driven by a single purpose: to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. And in Sam Bahadur, he plays the legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw with charisma and authority, giving audiences a glimpse into the life of one of India’s greatest military leaders.

Ajay Devgn – The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Bhuj: The Pride of India

Ajay Devgn’s performance as the  revolutionary Bhagat Singh in The Legend of Bhagat Singh was a true masterclass. He captured the passion and  resolve of a young man who sacrificed everything for India’s freedom. In Bhuj: The Pride of India, he plays Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik, a real-life hero who, with the help of 300 local women, rebuilt a damaged airstrip to aid India’s victory in the 1971 war.

Hrithik Roshan – Lakshya

In Lakshya, Hrithik Roshan takes us on a journey of self-discovery as Karan Shergill, a young man who finds purpose and honour by joining the Indian Army. The film beautifully shows his transformation from a directionless youth to a committed officer, leading his platoon to victory during the Kargil conflict and proving that true patriotism is also a  journey of personal growth.

John Abraham – Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran

John Abraham, alongside Diana Penty, delivers a good performance in Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran. As Ashwat Raina, he leads a team of scientists and spies to carry out India’s top-secret nuclear test in 1998. The film celebrates the  resilience of the people who worked behind the scenes to make India a nuclear power.

Aamir Khan – Mangal Pandey: The Rising

Aamir Khan’s portrayal of the revolutionary soldier Mangal Pandey: The Rising is a powerful look at the events that sparked the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He captures the rebellious spirit and bravery of the man who dared to challenge the British East India Company, making the film a compelling historical drama.

Shah Rukh Khan – Swades

Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of Mohan Bhargav in Swades offers a different, more introspective take on patriotism. As a successful NASA scientist who returns to his roots in India, he finds himself inspired to use his skills to improve the lives of villagers. The film’s message is that true patriotism lies not in grand gestures but in a quiet commitment to making a positive difference in your own country. 

Also Read: Independence Day 2024: Indian films releasing this Independence Day