Kangana Ranaut's Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata: A Tribute to Unsung Heroes of 26/11
A Glimpse into Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata
Kangana Ranaut's forthcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata revisits one of the most harrowing nights in Indian history, highlighting a group of unsung heroes whose bravery saved numerous lives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Directed by Manoj Tapadia, the film is set in Mumbai's Cama and Albless Hospital, focusing on the nurses, ward boys, cleaners, security staff, and other hospital personnel who shielded patients while chaos erupted across the city. Slated for release on June 12, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata draws inspiration from the remarkable acts of valor exhibited by ordinary individuals on November 26, 2008.
The True Story Behind Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata real story
The 26/11 attacks resulted in 166 fatalities, left hundreds injured, and traumatized millions across India. While the public memory often focuses on iconic sites like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the narrative of Cama Hospital stands out as a remarkable chapter from that tragic evening. Amidst the turmoil, the staff at the 367-bed Cama Hospital faced a dire situation when terrorists approached the hospital after opening fire at CST station. One of the real-life heroes inspiring the film is nurse Anjali Kulthe. In a conversation years later, Kulthe recounted the horrifying events of that night, recalling how she received news around 9:30 PM that terrorists were advancing toward the hospital. Gunshots soon rang out in the vicinity.
Healthcare Workers' Heroic Actions
How healthcare workers saved hundreds of patients
Peering out of a hospital window, Kulthe saw two terrorists fleeing as police attempted to apprehend them. Shortly after, the attackers entered the hospital grounds, shooting security guards at the entrance. Noticing hospital staff peering out, the terrorists opened fire, injuring one worker. Realizing the severity of the situation, Kulthe quickly informed everyone inside the hospital about the intruders. What followed was an extraordinary display of bravery and quick thinking.
Kulthe promptly secured the main doors of the ward and moved 20 pregnant women into a cramped 10x10 pantry. To avoid detection, mobile phones were silenced, lights were extinguished, and everyone sat in silence as gunfire erupted outside. The situation escalated when one patient, a woman with hypertension, unexpectedly went into labor. With a fierce gun battle raging, doctors could not reach the ward. Refusing to leave her patient, Kulthe carefully guided the woman to the labor room via the staircase, inching along the wall to stay safe. Despite the terrifying circumstances, the patient successfully delivered a baby girl by morning, who was later affectionately named 'Goli.'
The Unfolding Chaos of 26/11
The deadly 26/11 attacks
The courage displayed by the hospital staff was even more remarkable given the violence occurring outside. Terrorists Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail Khan had already executed deadly attacks at CST before heading toward Cama Hospital. They later ambushed a police vehicle carrying senior officers, resulting in the deaths of Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar, and Additional Commissioner of Police Ashok Kamte, among others. Constable Arun Jadhav was the only survivor, despite sustaining severe injuries. While police officers battled the terrorists outside, hospital staff fought a different battle within the building—one focused on saving lives through courage, discipline, and compassion. Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata pays tribute to these unsung heroes, emphasizing the resilience of healthcare workers and support staff who prioritized 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.