Alia Bhatt To enact The Character Of Sofiya Qureshi In A Mahesh Bhatt Directorial Film On Colonel Sophia Qureshi?
By RUBY ZAIDI
When Colonel Sofiya Qureshi addressed the nation in the aftermath of the highly successful Operation Sindoor, it was far more than just a routine military press briefing — it was a moment of historic significance, deeply symbolic, and emotionally resonant for millions watching across India.
As one of the first two women officers in the history of the Indian Army to represent the force during an official post-operation media address, Colonel Qureshi’s poised and articulate presence left a lasting impression on the national consciousness.
Her calm authority, combined with a sense of clarity and purpose, struck a chord with citizens, particularly one very special viewer: her twin sister, Dr. Shyna Qureshi, who watched from afar with a heart swelling with pride.
For Dr. Shyna, the moment was both personal and monumental. According to media sources, she later shared how she had felt a deep surge of emotion watching her sister stand tall in uniform, addressing the entire nation on a historic day.
She recalled how both she and Sofiya were raised in a military household, surrounded by stories of valor, duty, and honor.
Even as children, the twin sisters dreamed of serving the nation, aspiring to break into the armed forces — at a time when the very idea of women in combat or strategic military roles was still largely unconventional, and certainly not mainstream.
Their determination was fueled by the legacy they carried: the Qureshi family boasts a rich history of military service. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s father and grandfather both served in the Indian Army with distinction, instilling in the young girls a strong sense of discipline, patriotism, and responsibility.
But the family’s legacy goes even further back in time — reaching into the very annals of India’s revolutionary history.
In an archival interview from 2017, Colonel Qureshi opened up about an incredible revelation: her great-grandmother had fought alongside Rani Laxmibai, the legendary warrior queen of Jhansi, during the historic 1857 First War of Independence.
“My great-grandmother was with Rani Laxmi Bai,” Colonel Qureshi said. “She was a warrior. And I think that strength runs in my blood. My grandfather used to say that it is the responsibility of every citizen to stand up for the nation when needed.”
It is no surprise, then, that such lineage and upbringing shaped Colonel Qureshi’s fierce resolve to serve India, even when opportunities seemed limited.
As per her sister’s recollections, Sofiya often spoke of joining the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to serve the country as a scientist. If not that, she considered joining the police services, reflecting her deep, unwavering commitment to national service, in any form it might take.
Fast forward to April 2025, in the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians and sent shockwaves across the country.
It was during this emotionally charged period that Operation Sindoor was launched — a series of retaliatory strikes by the Indian Armed Forces against terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In the days that followed, the nation looked to its military leadership for clarity and reassurance.
Standing alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi emerged as a national symbol of unity, strength, and grace under pressure.
The trio outlined the details of India’s carefully calibrated response, emphasized the nation’s right to defend itself, and reassured citizens of the military’s resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism at its roots.
Colonel Qureshi’s composed yet passionate delivery, her measured words, and her embodiment of dignity in uniform struck a powerful chord. Her public appearance was hailed not only as a demonstration of India’s military might, but also as a transformational moment for gender representation within the armed forces.
In the wake of her widely praised public appearance, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has become a household name, her story being celebrated across social media and traditional news platforms.
Her journey — from a “Fauji kid” dreaming of serving the nation, to a frontline military officer commanding the narrative on one of India’s most critical national security operations — is being seen as both inspirational and emblematic of a changing India.
And now, her compelling life story and the powerful Operation Sindoor moment may be headed to the big screen.
According to strong buzz circulating in Bollywood circles, acclaimed filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt — known for drawing cinematic inspiration from real-life events and emotionally rich narratives — is being encouraged by his well-wishers and fans to helm a film project based on the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military response.
Many are suggesting that Bhatt’s film, possibly titled “Operation Sindoor”, should not only chronicle the Indian Army’s strategic brilliance but also highlight the extraordinary character of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, whose presence has added a new dimension to India’s national security discourse.
Supporters of the idea have already floated the name of Alia Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter and one of Bollywood’s most talented actors, as the ideal choice to play Sofiya on screen, citing her emotional depth and acting range as qualities well-suited for the role.
While there has been no official word from Mahesh Bhatt yet, industry insiders believe that the combination of patriotism, gender empowerment, military valor, and a true story rooted in historical legacy offers the kind of powerful narrative the filmmaker is known to excel at.
As the nation continues to reflect on the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and the future of its national security doctrine, one thing is clear: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s story has transcended the military stage and entered the national imagination, not only as a soldier and officer, but as a symbol of the modern Indian woman — courageous, intelligent, rooted in history, and fiercely committed to her country.
Whether on the battlefield, the press podium, or possibly the silver screen — her journey is far from over.
