‘Border 2’: Story of Param Vir Major Hoshiar Singh, Who Became a Nightmare for 350 Enemies; Varun Dhawan to Play the Role

The highly anticipated film Border 2, starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, is set to release on 23 January, just ahead of Republic Day. Among the cast, Varun Dhawan has been making headlines, with fans praising his acting despite initial mixed reactions. But who exactly was the legendary soldier he portrays—Major Hoshiar Singh? Here’s the story.

Who Was Major Hoshiar Singh?
Varun Dhawan plays Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya of the 3rd Grenadiers, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. In a 1997 interview, Major Singh recalled events from the Battle of Basantar, where he fought courageously despite being injured. During this battle, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal also made the ultimate sacrifice, and his story inspired the recently released film Ikkis.

The Battle of Basantar
Major Hoshiar Singh led the left flank during the mission to secure Zarpal village, which was under Pakistani control. The area was heavily mined, with tanks and ammunition strategically deployed. On the night of 15 December, he crossed the river under challenging conditions and captured the village by midnight, completing the mission against heavy enemy resistance.

Capturing the Village in Just Two Hours
The operation required him to secure the village by midnight and prepare a bridge over the river before dawn so that Indian tanks could advance. Clearing mines and establishing control under extreme pressure, Major Singh successfully completed the task within the limited timeframe.

Fierce Counterattacks and Heavy Losses for the Enemy
After capturing Zarpal, the Pakistani army launched multiple counterattacks on 16 December, including tank assaults at 8 AM, noon, and 4 PM. Major Singh’s forces destroyed 40–45 enemy tanks in these engagements, during which Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was martyred. Overall, 300–350 Pakistani soldiers were killed, and many tanks destroyed. Major Singh himself sustained injuries in the battle.

Retirement and Passing
On 18 December, a Pakistani brigade commander approached with a white flag, requesting the return of their soldiers’ bodies and announcing their withdrawal. The ceasefire had already been declared, and Major Singh’s brigade commander assessed the battlefield. Despite serious injuries, Major Singh had fought with exceptional bravery. He retired from the Indian Army in 1988 and passed away in 1998 at the age of 61.

Varun Dhawan Meets Major Singh’s Family
As Border 2 gears up for its Republic Day release, Varun Dhawan has been actively promoting the film. He met Major Hoshiar Singh’s wife, Dhanno Devi, and his son, paying his respects and interacting with them—a moment he shared on his social media, highlighting the deep connection between the actor and the legendary soldier he portrays.