An audio-visual presentation titled “Uniform on Screen: Portrayal of Indian Military in Cinemas” was held on Day 7 of the New Delhi World Book Fair, drawing an attentive audience of literature enthusiasts, students, and visitors interested in cinema and national history. The session explored the depiction of the Indian armed forces in films and the responsibilities that come with representing soldiers’ lives on screen.
The event was moderated by Parthajit Baruah, a keen observer of cinema and military narratives, who guided the discussion with historical insight and thoughtful commentary. Known for his deep engagement with themes of patriotism, collective memory, and cultural representation, Baruah contextualised Indian military cinema not merely as a genre of entertainment but as a powerful medium of remembrance and reflection.
In his address, Baruah noted that Indian military cinema—across Bollywood and regional film industries—has long functioned as a repository of collective memory, retelling stories of courage, loss, and sacrifice. He raised important questions about whether cinematic portrayals have always done justice to the lived realities of soldiers or whether complex experiences have sometimes been simplified or romanticised for dramatic effect.
Highlighting that respect for the armed forces demands honesty rather than spectacle, he emphasised that the military uniform symbolises far more than heroism. It represents silent sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, shaped by endurance and discipline from the icy heights of Siachen to the rugged terrain of the Northeast. He reminded the audience that patriotism is rooted in integrity, action, and remembrance rather than visual glorification.
During the presentation, Baruah referred to “Haqeeqat” (1964), recognised as the first Indian film dedicated to the military, noting its historical importance in shaping the genre of war and defence cinema in India. He also spoke about the cinematic portrayal of real-life heroes such as Baba Harbhajan Singh, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Major Mukund Varadarajan, Captain Vikram Batra, and others, while underlining that every soldier who serves the nation is a hero, regardless of whether their story is captured on screen.
The session also featured the screening of short films related to the armed forces, which complemented the discussion and offered visual perspectives on service, sacrifice, and duty. The films were well received by the audience and added depth to the thematic exploration of the event.
