Bollywood is a melting pot of talent, and surprisingly, many of our favorite stars have deep roots in the Indian armed forces like Priyanka Chopra, Akshay Kumar, and more.
Let’s look at the Bollywood actors with an Army background:
1- Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra’s parents were both doctors in the Indian Army. This strong military background undoubtedly shaped her disciplined and ambitious personality.
2- Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta, the lively Bollywood actress celebrated for her radiant smile and magnetic screen presence, is the daughter of Durganand Zinta, a retired officer of the Indian Army. Her military upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of discipline, self-assurance, and a profound respect for the values of service and sacrifice, shaping the charm and charisma she exudes.
3- Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar, renowned for his high-octane stunts and action-packed performances, is the son of retired Indian Army officer Hari Om Bhatia. His military upbringing has clearly influenced his dedication to physical fitness and rugged persona, both of which have become defining traits of his stellar career. Akshay’s affinity for patriotic and action-driven films reflects the values instilled in him by his father’s service in the armed forces.
4- Anushka Sharma
Her father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, was a part of the Kargil War. Growing up in an army environment instilled in her a strong sense of patriotism and discipline.
5- Arjun Rampal
Arjun Rampal, the celebrated actor and former supermodel, draws inspiration from his maternal grandfather, Brigadier Gurdayal Singh, a distinguished officer in the Indian Army. Brigadier Gurdayal’s exceptional military legacy, which includes having a gun named in his honor—the “Gurdayal Gun“—has left a lasting impact.
6- Lara Dutta
Lara Dutta, the former Miss Universe and renowned Bollywood actress, is the daughter of Wing Commander L.K. Dutta, a retired Indian Air Force officer. Her poise, elegance, and confident demeanor reflect the values of discipline, resilience, and self-assurance she cultivated growing up in a military household.
7- Sushmita Sen
Sushmita Sen, the iconic Miss Universe 1994 and celebrated Bollywood actress, is the daughter of Wing Commander Shubeer Sen, a retired Indian Air Force officer. Her elegance, confidence, and magnetic charm stem from her upbringing in a military family, where discipline, self-assurance, and a strong sense of purpose were deeply instilled in her.
8- Randeep Hooda
Randeep Hooda’s father was a surgeon in the Army Medical Corps. This upbringing likely contributed to his intense and method acting style.
9- Gul Panag
With a father who retired as a Lieutenant General, it’s no surprise that Gul Panag exudes confidence and poise.