A Legacy of Courage: The Story of Colonel Santosh Babu and the Battle of Galwan
A Legacy of Courage: Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu stands as a powerful symbol of courage, discipline, and selfless leadership in modern Indian military history. His name became etched in the nation’s collective memory after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, a defining moment in India’s border security narrative. As the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, he led from the front during one of the most intense and brutal face-offs along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh. His supreme sacrifice and fearless command earned him the Maha Vir Chakra, awarded posthumously in recognition of extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy.
Beyond the battlefield, his inspiring journey is now set to reach a wider audience through cinema. An upcoming Hindi film titled Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia and starring Salman Khan, seeks to portray the events of that historic clash and honor the man who led his troops with unmatched resolve. The project has already generated strong public interest, especially after the release of its teaser.
Early Life and Military Foundations
Born on February 13, 1983, in Suryapet, Telangana, Santosh Babu grew up with a strong sense of purpose and patriotism. From a young age, he aspired to serve the nation in uniform. This aspiration led him to the National Defence Academy, followed by rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy. Commissioned into the Indian Army in 2004, he quickly distinguished himself as a disciplined officer with exceptional leadership qualities.
Throughout his career, he served in some of the most demanding operational environments. His experience included counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir as part of the Rashtriya Rifles, deployment in challenging high-altitude regions, and an overseas assignment with a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each role added depth to his professional expertise and reinforced his reputation as a calm, capable, and decisive leader.
Command in Eastern Ladakh
By 2020, Colonel Santosh Babu had risen to command the 16 Bihar Regiment. At just 37 years of age, he was entrusted with leading his unit in Eastern Ladakh during a period of heightened tension along the Line of Actual Control. The region’s extreme terrain, harsh climate, and strategic sensitivity demanded not only tactical skill but also moral strength and clarity of judgment.
As commanding officer, he was known for maintaining high morale among his soldiers and for personally overseeing sensitive patrols and negotiations. His leadership style emphasized responsibility, courage, and unity, traits that would prove crucial during the events that followed.
The Night of the Galwan Valley Clash
On the night of June 15, 2020, Indian and Chinese troops came face to face in the Galwan Valley after disagreements related to disengagement at a patrol point. In line with existing border protocols, firearms were not used. Instead, the confrontation escalated into fierce hand-to-hand combat in a high-altitude environment, with soldiers fighting using improvised weapons such as clubs and stones.
Colonel Santosh Babu was at the forefront, attempting to de-escalate the situation while ensuring the safety and discipline of his men. During the violent clash, he sustained critical injuries but continued to lead and inspire his troops. He ultimately laid down his life in the line of duty, along with 19 other Indian soldiers, marking one of the most solemn moments in recent military history.
From Battlefield to Big Screen
The teaser of Battle of Galwan, released on December 27, 2025, coinciding with Salman Khan’s 60th birthday, captured widespread attention. The short preview presents Khan in a rugged soldier’s role, channeling the resilience and inner strength associated with Colonel Santosh Babu’s legacy. A powerful dialogue delivered in the teaser underscores the spirit of Indian soldiers, framing wounds as honors and death as something to be faced with dignity rather than fear.
Visually, the teaser relies on restrained emotion rather than spectacle. Salman Khan’s weathered appearance, controlled intensity, and silent resolve convey the psychological weight of leadership in extreme conditions. The final moments, marked by his unwavering gaze toward the camera, leave a lasting impression and set an emotionally charged tone for the film.
Enduring Inspiration
Colonel Santosh Babu’s life story is not only about a single battle but about a lifelong commitment to duty, honor, and nation. His leadership during the Galwan Valley clash continues to inspire soldiers and civilians alike. As his story transitions from real-life heroism to cinematic portrayal, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who stand guard in the most unforgiving terrains, far from the public eye.