Unveiling the Heroes of 26/11: Kangana Ranaut's Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata
A Tribute to Unsung Heroes
Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata revisits one of the darkest chapters in Indian history, focusing on the courageous individuals who played a crucial role during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Directed by Manoj Tapadia, the film is set against the backdrop of Cama and Albless Hospital, showcasing the bravery of nurses, ward boys, cleaners, and security personnel who risked their lives to protect patients amidst the chaos. Scheduled for release on June 12, the film draws inspiration from the remarkable acts of heroism displayed by ordinary people on that fateful night in 2008.
The Real Story Behind Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata
The tragic events of 26/11 resulted in 166 deaths and left countless others injured, leaving a lasting impact on the nation. While many remember the attacks for their focus on iconic locations like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and CST, the story of Cama Hospital stands out as a testament to human resilience. As terrorists approached the hospital after attacking CST, the staff at the 367-bed facility faced an unimaginable crisis. One of the real-life heroes depicted in the film is nurse Anjali Kulthe, who vividly recalls the terror of that night. In an interview years later, she shared how she learned around 9:30 PM that terrorists were heading towards the hospital, shortly before gunfire erupted nearby.
From a hospital window, Kulthe witnessed two terrorists fleeing as police attempted to apprehend them. Moments later, the assailants entered the hospital grounds, shooting at security guards. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Kulthe alerted her colleagues that the terrorists had breached the premises, leading to a remarkable display of courage and quick thinking.
Healthcare Workers' Heroic Actions
Kulthe quickly secured the ward's main doors and moved 20 pregnant women into a small pantry to ensure their safety. To avoid detection, they turned off their mobile phones, extinguished lights, and sat in silence as gunfire echoed outside. The situation escalated when one of the patients, a high-risk woman with hypertension, unexpectedly went into labor. With the chaos surrounding them, doctors were unable to reach her. Determined to help, Kulthe guided the woman to the labor room using the staircase, staying close to the wall to avoid danger. Despite the alarming circumstances, the patient successfully delivered a baby girl by morning, who was later named 'Goli' in honor of that unforgettable night.
The hospital endured an attack for nearly five hours, during which the staff worked tirelessly to protect the patients. They secured wards and maintained their composure, preventing the terrorists from reaching vulnerable individuals.
The Impact of the 26/11 Attacks
The bravery of the hospital staff was even more remarkable given the violence occurring outside. Terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail Khan had already carried out deadly attacks at CST before targeting Cama Hospital. They ambushed a police vehicle carrying senior officers, resulting in the deaths of several, including Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare. While police battled the terrorists outside, hospital staff fought to save lives within, demonstrating extraordinary courage, discipline, and compassion. Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata pays tribute to these unsung heroes, focusing on the resilience of healthcare workers who prioritized their duty over fear. Alongside Kangana Ranaut, the film features Girija Oak, Smita Tambe, Amrutha Namdev, Esha Dey, Priya Berde, Asha Shelar, Suhita Thatte, Rasika Aghase, Aditya Mishra, and Zahid Khan.