Anushka Sharma Recalls Kargil War Days: Says She’s Proud to Be an Army Officer’s Daughter, Shares Emotional Chats With Her Father During 1999 Conflict

Anushka Sharma opens up about her pride in being an army officer’s daughter and recalls emotional conversations with her father during the 1999 Kargil War

In a rare and heartfelt moment, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma opened up about her childhood experiences growing up in a military household, particularly during one of the most defining moments in India’s recent military history—the 1999 Kargil War. Known for her poise and privacy, the actress shed light on how those days shaped her emotionally, instilled discipline in her, and inspired a lifelong sense of pride in the Indian Armed Forces.

Anushka Sharma, born on May 1, 1988, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is the daughter of Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, an army officer. Her upbringing, which she has described as deeply rooted in military culture, gave her not only structure and discipline but also a heightened sense of responsibility and empathy for the lives of Indian soldiers and their families.

In a resurfaced interview, Anushka shared that one of her most vivid childhood memories was living through the 1999 Kargil War, during which her father was actively serving on duty. At the time, Anushka was just 11 years old. Despite her young age, she vividly remembers the tension in the household and the long silences that would follow every news broadcast.

“I remember the Kargil War so clearly. My father was on duty, and every time the phone rang, we didn’t know if it would be him or someone delivering bad news,” Anushka recalled. “I was scared to even look at the television.”

Anushka’s bond with her father has been an emotional anchor in her life. During the war, although communication was limited, she recalls the short and precious calls they would receive from her father as moments of immense comfort. “He used to reassure us that everything was okay,” she said. “But I knew he was just trying to make us feel better. I could sense the danger.”

Those difficult conversations instilled in her a maturity far beyond her years. “I saw fear, strength, and courage all at once. It taught me the value of what our soldiers truly go through—not just physically, but emotionally as well,” she said in an earlier interaction.

The Kargil War, which took place between May and July 1999, was one of India’s most intense military conflicts since independence. Fought in the treacherous terrain of the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir, it saw over 500 Indian soldiers martyred and hundreds more injured as India pushed back infiltrating forces from across the Line of Control (LoC).

For Anushka and thousands of other military families, those weeks were emotionally grueling. With the war broadcast live on television, and the names of soldiers being flashed as casualties mounted, it was impossible to escape the constant anxiety.

“I don’t think civilians can ever fully understand what it means to be a soldier’s child during wartime. You wake up every day not knowing if your father is alive or if he’ll return. That feeling never leaves you,” Anushka once said.

Anushka’s life in the army cantonments across India, from Bengaluru to Assam, gave her a unique worldview. She often credits her army upbringing for making her grounded, disciplined, and fiercely independent—traits that helped her navigate the unpredictable world of Bollywood.

Starting her film career in 2008 with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi opposite Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka quickly rose to prominence. Over the years, she has delivered stellar performances in films like NH10, Pari, PK, Sultan, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and has earned acclaim not just as an actress but also as a producer with her company Clean Slate Filmz.

But despite her fame and success, the actress has remained deeply connected to her roots. She has never shied away from expressing her pride in being an army child. “I carry the army values everywhere I go. My work ethic, my respect for time and people, and even my silence in situations—it all comes from there,” she once said.

Anushka Sharma has consistently voiced her admiration for Indian soldiers. On occasions like Kargil Vijay Diwas and Army Day, she has taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes, reminding the public of the sacrifices made by the armed forces.

In one post, she wrote: “To every soldier who stands in the harshest terrains, in the most dangerous zones, and with unmatched courage—thank you. I know what your families go through. You’re not just our protectors, you’re our pride.”

Her authentic connection to the armed forces has been recognized not only by fans but also by veterans who appreciate her genuine respect and understanding of the military lifestyle.

Revisiting her childhood during the war, Anushka shared how deeply it impacted her worldview. “As a child, you think your father is a superhero. But the Kargil War made me realize how vulnerable even superheroes can be. And yet, they go out there and fight,” she said.

She also recalled moments when her school would conduct special assemblies or flag hoisting ceremonies, and she would feel a surge of pride knowing her father was among those defending the nation. “Even if he wasn’t physically present, he was always there in spirit,” she said.

Interestingly, many of Anushka’s roles—especially in films like NH10 and Pari—have showcased women who are resilient, courageous, and emotionally complex. Some critics and fans have drawn parallels between these portrayals and the strength she gained from her upbringing.

In interviews, Anushka has mentioned that she tends to connect more with characters that exhibit grit and determination, perhaps because she has seen these traits in her own family, especially in her mother and father.

Today, Anushka Sharma stands tall not just as a Bollywood celebrity, but as someone who deeply honors and represents the military family ethos. Her journey from being an army child to one of the most influential women in Indian cinema is not just inspiring, but also a reflection of how formative one’s early experiences can be.

She often mentions that her greatest honor remains being known as “Colonel Sharma’s daughter.” In an industry where fame often overshadows everything else, this acknowledgment speaks volumes about her character.

Anushka Sharma Recalls Kargil War Days: Says She’s Proud to Be an Army Officer’s Daughter, Shares Emotional Chats With Her Father During 1999 Conflict