Selina Jaitly Remembers Father’s Heroism in 1971 Indo-Pak War Amid Personal Struggles

Actress Selina Jaitly, currently facing multiple personal challenges, recently shared a poignant story about her late father’s experiences during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. While she is navigating a difficult divorce and legal proceedings, Selina is also striving to secure the release of her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been detained in the UAE for over a year.

In an emotional social media post, Selina paid tribute to her late father, Colonel V.K. Jaitly (SM), recounting the harrowing battlefield experiences he endured. She described the unimaginable horrors he faced during one of the war’s fiercest confrontations, the Battle of Bhadauria, which became a decisive moment in Bangladesh’s liberation.

“I lay in my own pool of blood for 72 hours, surrounded by a field of death,” she wrote, quoting her father’s account. “Many of my brothers moaned in pain, their bodies torn apart. Though my body was riddled with shrapnel and my legs pierced by bullets, my wounds seemed minor compared to theirs. I crawled to a gravely wounded soldier and gave him my last painkiller. Amidst death, one word united all of us—‘Mother.’ In those final moments, it was the thought of our mothers that gave us solace.”

Selina emphasized that these were not mere words or literary expressions but lived experiences her father endured. Colonel Jaitly, commissioned in 17 Kumaon in 1970 at just 21, was severely injured in the war but returned to duty with pride and eventually commanded the 16 Kumaon Regiment. His bravery during the Bhadauria operation, which involved capturing the Bogra sector, earned the regiment its distinguished recognition as the Bhadauria Platoon.

Reflecting on the sacrifices of the armed forces, Selina wrote:

“If you wish to honor a soldier, honor an Indian for whom even life could be given. I bow my head in respect to our armed forces. Hail Goddess Kalika. Jai Hind.”

Alongside this tribute, Selina shared an emotional message for her detained brother, Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, wishing him a happy birthday and expressing her unwavering commitment to bring him back home. She referred to him affectionately as her “baby brother” and described his absence as one of the most painful experiences of her life.

Amid personal turmoil and family challenges, Selina Jaitly’s post is a moving reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the enduring strength of familial bonds.