Ankit Siwach, known for his role in "Beyhadh 2" and "Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs", is an integral part of the highly anticipated war drama "120 Bahadur," which was released on November 21, 2025. The film, directed by Razneesh Ghai, stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati and tells the true story of the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. In an exclusive interview, Siwach shared his experiences working with Akhtar, lauding his commitment and dedication to the film.
Siwach expressed that working with Farhan Akhtar was "incredibly special", especially on a film like "120 Bahadur". He explained that the film was not just a regular acting-based project but one that emphasized bonding, brotherhood, and the responsibility of sharing a real story. This created a unique and profound connection among the cast and crew.
Recalling an incident on set, Siwach revealed Akhtar's dedication to the project. During a night shift shoot in freezing temperatures of -5 to -7 degrees Celsius, Akhtar, despite having a day off, came to the set to give cues to his co-stars. Siwach emphasized that Akhtar wasn't even visible on camera but was present to help the actors feel the emotion through his voice. This act of commitment deeply impressed Siwach, who believes that such dedication is what makes Akhtar a "genius" filmmaker.
Siwach also shared that he has always looked up to Akhtar and that working with him personally on "120 Bahadur" was a dream come true. He remembers spending time with Akhtar on set and doing scenes together, cherishing the bonding and real emotions that arose from the film's subject matter. He also humorously recalled his first day on set in Ladakh, where he and other cast members were in physical training when they were told that Farhan Akhtar wanted to meet them.
Siwach plays Ramlal Yadav of the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, and he had to undergo rigorous physical training for the role. He also shared that the director, Razneesh Ghai, has a strong connection to the army, with his brother being a Director General of Military Operations (DGMO). This personal connection made the story very close to Ghai's heart, further emphasizing the importance of portraying the events of Rezang La accurately.
Siwach expressed his admiration for the armed forces, which stems from his childhood spent in the Meerut cantonment. Witnessing the discipline and dedication of soldiers firsthand left a lasting impression on him, making the role in "120 Bahadur" a "spiritual journey" and a dream he had been manifesting. He believes that stories of soldiers need to be told to help people understand the sacrifices made for the country's security.
Interestingly, Siwach almost lost the role due to a miscommunication between his agency and the production team. Unbeknownst to him, his agency made requests for luxuries that were not feasible given the film's remote location and challenging conditions. However, upon learning about the issue, Siwach immediately clarified that he did not need any special amenities and that his priority was to be a part of the film.
"120 Bahadur" aims to honor the memory of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati and his men, reminding audiences of their sacrifice and strength. The film depicts the battle as remembered by an injured soldier, one of the few survivors of the Battle of Rezang La, showcasing the valiant act of 120 Ahir soldiers who chose to fight to the last man.
