Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, who inspired Sunny Deol's character in 'Border', dies at 78

The Hero of 1971 India-Pakistan war, Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, breathed his last on Saturday morning. The recipient of country’s second highest gallantry award, Mahavir Chakra (MVC), Kuldeep Singh was admitted to a private hospital in Mohali where he passed away at 8.30 am.

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Brigadier’s son Harshdeep Singh Chandpuri asserted that the cremation would take place on return of his other son from Germany.

The 78-year old military veteran played a major role on the night of 5/6 December of 1971, when the Indian army was battling a tough fight after Pakistan launched a massive attack with 51 Infantry Brigade. ‘A’ company of 23 Punjab led by the leadership of Chandpuri (then Major) held fast and despite being heavily outnumbered, beat back multiple attacks throughout the night. As the sun rose over the horizon on December 5, 1971, the Indian Air Force destroyed enemy tanks in precision attacks.

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Bollywood movie ‘Border’ was based on the real-life events from the Battle of Longewala. JP Dutta’s directorial starred Sunny Deol as Brig Chandpuri in the movie. Border had shown the exceptional courage with which Chandpuri fought and united his men to bring down the enemy till reinforcements arrived.