Colonel Bhupinder Shahi, who started his cinematic journey with Sidharth Malhotra starrer Shershaah, has offered a rare insight into the making of the film. Aditya Dharstarring Dhurandhar Ranveer Singhblending his real-life military experience with film, while revealing the extent to which film has mirrored the world of intelligence operations.Speaking to Vijay Vikram Singh, Shahi described the project as a defining episode of his life. “Now I feel like I am part of history. I have lived my life…beyond history and folklore,” he said, calling Dhurandharri his ninth film as a military adviser and one of his most significant.
“My father was a spy, not me”
Before diving into the film, Shahi cleared up a long-held perception about her background. “Not me, my father was a spy,” he said, “I put spies on the screen, but my father lived that life.”For Shahi, what sets Dhurandhar apart is not just its scale, but the discipline it demands. “In this industry, your work defines you: how good you are on set, your name travels,” he said.Despite being a retired colonel, he chose to blend in completely. “I never showed my rank on the set… I never said to give this or that. I sat where I was told,” he shared, adding, “If no one had told me I’m a colonel, they wouldn’t have known. They didn’t ask for privileges.”
‘If I can be a tutor, why not?’
Shahi also talked about mentoring younger actors during the shoot. “If I’ve been an idol or a mentor, why not? That’s the purpose of life: to teach others,” he said.Recalling the moments on set, he added, “If someone corrects you, it means you’re growing… you’re not doing something wrong, you’re doing something right.”He also had a clear message for the public: “Don’t give up. If you’re stressed, it means you’re doing something meaningful. You’re moving forward, you’re growing.’
How Dhurandhar came to it: “My job was to collect data, which I can’t reveal”
Shahi revealed that the project came about through an industry connection. “My name had started circulating…Rahul Gandhi (not a politician) approached me. He is a very humble man. I had worked with him earlier,” he said.“I had no idea how big the project was. Whatever work I was given, I was 200% done.”Opening up about his contribution, Shahi said, “My important job was to get the data, which I can’t say.”He also explained: “I worked in liaison with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior, organizing the facilities, authenticating things, making them realistic.”Praising director Aditya Dhar, he added, “He is a wonderful director… a legend today.”Shahi said the film has sparked conversations beyond India. “Prime ministers and world leaders are discussing Dhurandhar,” he said, recalling instances where people proudly mentioned watching the film.“When I saw the result I was surprised: the level of authenticity is incredible,” he added.The former Army officer emphasized that the film is rooted in reality. “Yes, there is a cinematic feel to it, but the authenticity is very high,” he said, referring to real-world events and experiences.“Such people exist… every country has them,” he said.
A true story that mirrors the movie
Shahi recounted a striking real-life account of one of his recruits. “He spent three to four months in PoK…gathered crucial data,” he said.Describing the dangers, he added, “Once he was exposed…he was saved by a woman. He returned late, risking firing across the LoC.”“He was taken out, debriefed and rewarded. These are true stories,” Shahi said, emphasizing the dangerous reality behind such missions.
How Spies Are Made: “You Don’t Pick Anyone Randomly”
Dealing with how intelligence agents are recruited, Shahi eschewed cinematic shortcuts, as seen in Dhurandhar: The Revenge. “You don’t pick anybody and make them a spy,” he said.“There’s a process: you check IQ, ability. Then grooming, training… even creating a complete identity with records,” he explained, saying it’s “a very hard and complex task.”He also noted that such operations are often handled by agencies such as the Research and Analysis Section.
“The mind is a 24/7 job”
As for how intelligence gathering works, Shahi said, “It’s a daily process: human networks, cyber, satellites, drones.”“The real challenge is analyzing the data … connecting the dots,” he explains, adding, “It’s a 24/7 task, it’s not easy.”Even with technology, he emphasized the importance of human intelligence: “You need people on the ground… to know what’s going on inside a room.”
“After so many films, I got recognition with Dhurandhar”
Reflecting on the film’s reception, Shahi said it has been very personal. “My son called me from Canada saying he was proud to see my name,” she shared.“After so many films, I finally got recognition with Dhurandhar. All thanks to Aditya Dhar.”
“Ranveer Singh did an amazing job”
Despite her limited interaction with Ranveer Singh, Shahi had nothing but praise. “He was absolutely busy in his role … but he did an amazing job. A wonderful job,” he said.
