Vicky Kaushal recently recounted a poignant moment involving Maya Manekshaw, the daughter of the revered late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, following her viewing of the song ‘Tauba Tauba’ from his new film, *Bad Newz*. Kaushal, who had previously received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Sam Manekshaw in the critically acclaimed biographical war drama *Sam Bahadur*, was taken aback by Maya’s reaction to his contrasting roles.
In a candid interview with Bollywood Hungama, Kaushal shared the details of the interaction. Maya reached out to him with a text message after watching ‘Tauba Tauba’, expressing her astonishment at the shift in his on-screen persona. “She messaged me saying, ‘Who is this guy?’” Kaushal recalled. “She was like, ‘Five months ago, you made me believe you were my father; you can’t be doing this now.’” Kaushal chuckled as he reflected on this exchange, interpreting it as a significant compliment to his acting versatility. “I mean, it’s my job,” he said, laughing, “but it felt like the biggest compliment for me.”
Kaushal’s portrayal of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in *Sam Bahadur* was a particularly personal and emotional journey for the actor. He detailed the gravity of playing a legendary figure in the Indian Army, noting the deep responsibility and emotional connection he felt. “There’s a distinct difference between playing an ordinary army officer and portraying one who is considered a legend by the Army. It was a tremendous responsibility,” he explained. “I grew up hearing stories about Manekshaw from my parents, who were in Punjab during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. They described the fear and anticipation they experienced while waiting for his orders over the radio. Hearing these accounts and then having the chance to embody such a heroic figure was both nerve-wracking and profoundly fulfilling.”
*Sam Bahadur* explores the remarkable career and life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, offering an intimate look at his journey through four decades of service and five major wars. The film is a tribute to Manekshaw’s indomitable spirit and his pivotal role in shaping Indian military history. It portrays the highs and lows of his career with great respect and depth, celebrating his legacy as a true national hero.
