Amitabh Bachchan to Narrate Farhan Akhtar’s War Epic ‘120 Bahadur’, Based on 1962 India-China Conflict
Mumbai, Oct 8 (TheTrendingPeople.com) — Veteran Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is all set to lend his powerful voice as the narrator in the upcoming war drama 120 Bahadur, starring Farhan Akhtar in the lead role. The film, inspired by true events from the 1962 India-China war, revisits one of the most heroic yet lesser-known chapters of Indian military history — the Battle of Rezang La.
The announcement was revealed during the latest episode of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ (KBC), where Farhan appeared alongside his father, the legendary screenwriter Javed Akhtar, to celebrate Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday on the sets of the long-running quiz show.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Voice to Add Gravitas to ‘120 Bahadur’
In a heartfelt exchange on the KBC stage, Farhan Akhtar requested Amitabh Bachchan to lend his voice to the film’s opening narration. The actor explained that 120 Bahadur begins with a voiceover that sets the stage for the epic retelling of the Rezang La battle, where Indian soldiers stood their ground against overwhelming Chinese forces.
“Our film begins with a narrator’s voice that explains what exactly happened during Rezang La. If you could please be the narrator for our opening, it would be an honour,” Farhan said to Big B during the episode.
A visibly moved Amitabh Bachchan agreed, marking yet another collaboration in his illustrious career that spans over five decades. Known for his deep, commanding voice, Bachchan’s narration is expected to add emotional weight and historical authenticity to the film’s opening sequences.
A Reunion of Legends: Javed Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, and Amitabh Bachchan
The KBC episode featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Javed Akhtar, and Farhan Akhtar turned into an emotional reunion of three cinematic icons. The trio reminisced about their long association, with Javed Akhtar sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his early collaborations with Amitabh Bachchan during the Salim-Javed era, which gave Indian cinema some of its most celebrated films including Zanjeer, Deewar, and Sholay.
The episode also coincided with Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday celebrations, adding a nostalgic and heartwarming touch as the Akhtars expressed admiration for the megastar’s enduring impact on Indian cinema.
‘120 Bahadur’: A Tribute to the Heroes of Rezang La
Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, 120 Bahadur chronicles the bravery of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati and the 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought valiantly during the Battle of Rezang La on November 18, 1962.
In one of the most remarkable instances of courage in military history, 120 Indian soldiers fought against over 3,000 Chinese troops at a freezing altitude of 16,000 feet in Ladakh’s Chushul sector. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, the Indian troops fought to their last breath, holding the post till the very end.
Farhan Akhtar essays the role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour, for his extraordinary leadership and sacrifice.
Shot extensively in the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh, the film promises to blend realism, emotion, and cinematic grandeur while paying homage to the courage and patriotism of Indian soldiers.
The Historical Context: The 1962 India-China War
The 1962 conflict between India and China stemmed from disputed borders along Aksai Chin in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast. Tensions escalated when China built a road through Aksai Chin, a region India considered part of its territory. Diplomatic negotiations failed, and by October 1962, China launched a two-pronged offensive.
India’s military faced significant challenges due to limited infrastructure and lack of preparedness. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s decision not to deploy the Indian Air Force further weakened India’s defense. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union, India’s close ally at the time, refrained from intervening as it was embroiled in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Despite the military setback, the Battle of Rezang La remains a shining example of Indian valor — a story that 120 Bahadur aims to bring to the forefront for modern audiences.
Farhan Akhtar on Portraying Major Shaitan Singh
Known for his versatility and depth as an actor, Farhan Akhtar has reportedly undergone extensive preparation to portray the revered war hero. According to production sources, Farhan engaged in military-style training, studied archived accounts of the battle, and even interacted with defense historians to ensure authenticity in his performance.
His decision to approach Amitabh Bachchan for the film’s narration was described by the actor as a symbolic gesture of respect — a bridge between two generations of Indian cinema united by their passion for storytelling and patriotism.
A Powerhouse Production Team
120 Bahadur is being produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), and Amit Chandrra (Trigger Happy Studios). The film marks yet another high-profile project for director Razneesh Ghai, who previously directed Dhaakad (2022).
Backed by Excel Entertainment’s reputation for quality filmmaking, 120 Bahadur aims to deliver an emotionally charged cinematic experience that combines large-scale war sequences with intimate human storytelling.
The film is slated for a theatrical release on November 21, 2025, positioning it as one of the most anticipated Indian films of next year.
Big B’s Legacy as a Narrator
Amitabh Bachchan’s involvement as narrator continues a tradition of lending his iconic voice to films that demand emotional gravity. Over the years, he has narrated several landmark projects, including Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar, Krrish 3, and the globally acclaimed documentary Marching to the Top.
His narration often serves as a bridge between history and emotion, making him an ideal choice for a film like 120 Bahadur, which seeks to immortalize India’s unsung war heroes.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The union of Amitabh Bachchan’s legendary voice, Farhan Akhtar’s powerful performance, and Javed Akhtar’s cinematic legacy makes 120 Bahadur a film that transcends generations.
Beyond being a war drama, it stands as a heartfelt tribute to courage, sacrifice, and patriotism — reminding audiences that true heroism often emerges from the most impossible battles.
As 120 Bahadur prepares for its 2025 release, it promises not just to tell a story, but to reignite a nation’s pride in the soldiers who laid down their lives for India’s honor at Rezang La.