Major Mohit Sharma, the real-life 'Dhurandhar' who killed terrorists despite being shot, had left engineering to join NDA

Ever since Dhurandhar hit theatres, the film has taken the box office by storm. The action thriller crossed the Rs 150-crore mark within just five days and continues to draw massive crowds. But the success has also been accompanied by controversy. Even before the release, Aditya Dhar’s directorial venture faced backlash after the mother of late Major Mohit Sharma reportedly claimed that the story borrows heavily from her son’s life without giving him due credit.

All you need to know about Major Mohit Sharma

Major Mohit Sharma’s story is one of courage, excellence and unwavering dedication, both on and off the battlefield. Born on January 13, 1978, in Rohtak, Haryana, he grew up in a close-knit family and was lovingly called "Chintu" at home. Among peers and colleagues, he was known as “Mike,” a name that matched his personality.



Apart from being academically strong, he was also a gifted musician. Defence Ministry records state that he could effortlessly play the guitar, mouth organ and synthesiser, and he often took up any new instrument as a personal challenge. His live performances of Hemant Kumar’s melodies were especially cherished by those who heard him.

Education and career

He completed his schooling across Delhi-NCR, eventually graduating from Delhi Public School, Ghaziabad in 1995. With a good academic record, he secured admission to an engineering college in Maharashtra. But even after enrolling, he knew his true dream lay elsewhere. His heart was set on serving in the Armed Forces. That same year, he made the bold decision to quit engineering and join the National Defence Academy (NDA).

After completing his NDA training, Major Sharma passed out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) on December 11, 1999. He was commissioned into 5 MADRAS and later served in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir with 38 Rashtriya Rifles.


For his exceptional service during this period, he was awarded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card in 2002. His ambition pushed him further, and in 2003 he joined the elite 1 PARA (Special Forces). A year later, he received the Sena Medal for an undercover mission in which he infiltrated a Hizbul Mujahideen group under the alias Iftikhar Bhatt and eliminated two terrorists in a high-risk operation.

His final mission, however, would define the legacy he left behind. On March 21, 2009, he led a crucial operation in the Kupwara district of North Kashmir. Despite being shot in the chest, he continued fighting, rescuing injured soldiers and neutralising four terrorists in close combat.


He ultimately succumbed to his injuries, but not before ensuring the safety of his team. For this unmatched bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry honour.

Today, as Dhurandhar dominates theatres, the conversations around its inspiration have once again brought attention to Major Mohit Sharma’s extraordinary life. His family reportedly has approached the Delhi High Court seeking clarity on the film’s depiction. Later, CBFC and the director clarified that the film is not based on him.

The blockbuster movie is currently streaming on Netflix. The sequel, officially titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge, finally hit the theatres today, March 19, 2026. The film has already broken several records with advance bookings. Now, the movie is all set to enter Rs 1000 crore worldwide by surpassing previous blockbuster releases. Stay tuned!