It is impossible to imagine a life of freedom and the simple joy of walking safely on the streets or sleeping peacefully at night, without remembering the brave men and women in uniform who guard our borders day and night. While we often see their sacrifices from afar, their families have a different story to tell. For their children, growing up in military households shapes a life of discipline, frequent transfers, school changes, and amid it all, a deep-rooted sense of patriotism.

Amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, and the relentless service of soldiers that allows the rest of us to live in peace, here’s a look at ten Indian celebrities who grew up as Fauji kids, whose lives before entering the glamorous world were shaped by the values and sacrifices of the armed forces.

#1. Akshay Kumar’s father was an Army officer

Akshay Kumar is known for his strict discipline, both in his personal life and on screen. His deep respect for the nation and its armed forces is clear in the many patriotic films he has chosen, including Kesari, Rustom, Sky Force, and Jolly LLB 2. Often hailed as Bollywood’s action king, Akshay shares a strong emotional bond with the defence forces, having grown up in a military household. His father, Hari Om Bhatia, a retired Indian Army officer from the Amritsar regiment, played a big role in shaping his values. Growing up as an army kid taught him the values of waking up early in the morning, exercising regularly and staying grounded.

#2. Anushka Sharma’s father served at the Kargil War

Anushka Sharma has been quite vocal about her experience growing up as the daughter of an army man. Before venturing into Bollywood, her life was no different from other Fauji kids who grew up all over India, thanks to her father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, who served in the Indian Army and was also a part of the Kargil War. Anushka studied at the Army School in Bengaluru, and her upbringing in a military household made her strong, adaptable and grounded in her career and personal life.

#3. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is the daughter of military doctors

The Desi girl of Bollywood, Priyanka Chopra, is now an international star. The former Miss India, who began as an outsider in the entertainment industry, is the daughter of not one, but two army parents. Her father, late Dr Ashok Chopra and her mother, Dr Madhu Chopra, served as doctors in the Indian Army. In several interviews, PeeCee has credited her upbringing for her ability to adapt to new and different environments.

#4. Lara Dutta’s father was an Airforce officer

Lara Dutta, the former Miss Universe and a successful actress, is the daughter of Wing Commander L.K. Dutta of the Indian Air Force. Lara has often been seen speaking with pride about her upbringing in an Army family, and how it has instilled the values of self-discipline and poise, both of which helped her shine on global platforms.

#5. Rannvijay Singha’s father was a Lieutenant General in the Indian Army

Rannvijay Singha has become a youth icon through MTV Roadies, but this was not always the actor’s dream profession. Before entering the showbiz, Rannvijay had a dream to follow in his father’s shoes and join the Indian Army. His dad was a Lieutenant General in the Indian Army, and inspired by him, Rannvijay even cleared the Services Selection Board (SSB) exam. Even though he chose a different path later on, his love and respect for the forces are reflected in his fitness choices and strong personality.

#6. Sushmita Sen is the daughter of a Wing Commander

Yes, another former beauty pageant winner joins the list of celebrity divas who grew up in military households. Sushmita Sen’s grace and strong presence wherever she goes is no news to the industry, and it has remained evident ever since she bagged the prestigious title of Miss Universe in 1994. Her father, Wing Commander Shubeer Sen, served in the Indian Air Force. Sushmita grew up in Delhi and studied at the Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute.

#7. Preity Zinta’s late father was an Indian Army officer

Behind the bright and infectious smile of Preity Zinta, lies a fearless woman with a strong personality, thanks to her tough childhood. Her father, Durganand Zinta, was an Indian Army officer who passed away in a tragic car accident when she was just 13. Despite losing her father at such an early age, Preity has often credited her upbringing in a military household for making her into the independent and strong-willed and adaptable woman she is today.

#8. Gul Panag is the daughter of a Lieutenant General

Renowned actress and activist Gul Panag credits her strong-willed nature to her father, Lieutenant General Harcharanjit Singh Panag. As a Fauji kid, Gul spent her childhood moving across various parts of India due to her father’s postings, giving her diverse experiences in her growing years. These frequent shifts helped sharpen her intellect and language skills. Her father, Lt. Gen. Panag, received the prestigious Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. Post-retirement, he continues to serve the nation as a defence analyst.

#9. Rakul Preet Singh is the daughter of an Army officer

Rakul Preet Singh has made a name for herself in both Bollywood and South Indian films. She also grew up in a military household, thanks to her father, Army officer Rajender Singh. Her social media, especially her Instagram, often features her dad and is full of family love and the pride for being a Fauji kid. 

#10. Nimrat Kaur’s father served in the Indian Army

Last but definitely not the least, we have Bollywood actress, Nimrat Kaur. From doing theatre to working in Hollywood shows like Homeland, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. However, her story is as much inspiring as it is heartbreaking. Her father, Major Bhupinder Singh, served in the Indian Army and was tragically killed in a terrorist attack in 1994. Nimrat has often spoken about her father’s bravery and how his legacy motivates her.

Today, these celebrities may be popular for their films, shows, or achievements. But at heart, they are strong-willed Fauji kids, raised in homes where values like integrity, discipline, and patriotism weren’t just lessons; they were a way of life!

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