Sunny Deol, whose role in JP Dutta's war movie Border will always be one of the greatest highlights of his career, paid tribute to the real-life hero whose life it was based on.
Brigadier Kuldip Chandpuri -- the hero of the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 Indo-Pak war -- died at a hospital in Mohali on Saturday at the age of 78.
Sunny Deol's passionate portrayal of Brig. Chandpuri still ignites the emotions and sense of patriotism when the 1997 classic comes on television. Brig. Chandpuri had held off a Pakistani attack while leading a small group of Indian soldiers through the night in the 1971 war. Deol took to Twitter to pay tribute to the man himself. He shared images of Brig. Chandpuri and wrote, "Sad to know that Brigadier Kuldeep Chandpuri passed away today.
We will forever stay indebted to this great soldier."
Brig. Chandpuri was awarded Maha Vir Chakra for his heroic act. The citation for his Mahavir Chakra Award reads: "Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri was commanding a company battalion of the Punjab Regiment occupying a defended locality in the Rajasthan Sector. At the Battle of Longewala, Brig. Chandpuri exhibited dynamic leadership, exceptional courage and determination in holding his command intact and steadfast. He inspired his men moving from bunker to bunker till the reinforcements arrived."
Brig Chandpuri was suffering from cancer. He is survived by his wife and three sons. The cremation will take place on Monday with full military honours.
