Unlikely warriors

When pictures of former Miss Ukraine Anastasia Lenna — holding an assault rifle and clad in military gear — went viral in February last year, and she spoke of killing invaders (Russians), the world woke up to a pleasant surprise. Around the same time, a prominent woman MP, world boxing champions to football stars — all picked up arms to defend their country against Russian invasion.

Now, similar stories are emerging from war-torn Israel as well, the latest being Lior Raz and Idan Amedi, both stars of the Netflix show Fauda, who have joined the country’s fight against Hamas. While they could have done lip service and watch the events unfold on TV and social media, they chose to march shoulder-to-shoulder with the troops of their respective countries to defend their motherland.

Country comes first

Have the rich and famous just smashed the general perception that they are all about money and wars are meant to be fought by armies alone?

Actor Nikhil Siddhartha, who has wowed audiences with his action stunts on screen, says he won’t hesitate to pick up arms in real life, if it ever comes to it. “I do believe that people from all walks of life have to answer the call of their nation. God forbid, if there is ever a situation like this in our country, I would be happy to go to the frontline. I would be honoured to pick up a weapon to defend my country. “They (Ukraine and Israel celebs) have indeed set a good example,” says the Spy actor.

Echoing similar sentiments is actor Vishal, who was in news recently for raising bribery allegations against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which led to a CBI probe. Ask him if he would pick up arms if the country ever comes under threat, he replies, “Of course I will. There are no second thoughts about it.”

Vishal feels there is no division in the society when it comes to such situations. “When war breaks out in any country, all citizens become one in order to save themselves from the brutal invasion, he says.”

The action hero feels merely singing the national anthem will not help in such situations. “The citizens have to get into action and help the soldiers guard the country, which is the prime responsibility of every citizen,” he says, while lauding the efforts of people in Ukraine and Israel. “It’s the utmost bravery... I salute them as human beings and responsible, sincere citizens, who have indeed set an example before the world,” says the Mark Antony actor.

Patriotism runs in the genes

Nawaz Modi Singhania, professional fitness coach and wife of industrialist Gautam Singhania says patriotism runs in her blood. “I personally come from a very patriotic family. My grand father was a young boy during the First World War,” informs Nawaz.

A versatile artist, yoga expert, fitness trainer, motivational speaker, and spiritualist, she describes her grandfather as one of those “cross over babies” who has weapons which she has now inherited from her father.  “You have to always lead from the front. In fact, you’ve got to be that frontline fighter in whatever your cause may be. Remote controlling doesn’t work. You’ve got to put yourself out there and be the face of it, in any situation including this (war) one,” she adds.

BJP National incharge and President, Futuristic Cities Karuna Gopal Vartakavi has an interesting take. She describes the ‘new Indian’ woman as a nationalist with a rare panache, who will not wait and watch when her country is being violated. “Many women today draw inspiration from our historical figures who valiantly fought riding horses with children tied to their backs. I think most of us belong to this ‘new India’ where there is a great premium placed on ‘Action’.‘ Be it storming the battlefield, conquering the skies or defending humanity when needed.”

Elaborating, the BJP leader says battle fields need foot soldiers, generals and those who know the war craft. “There are some of us who can don the uniform if the need arises, a saree can be stitched into a trouser. It reminds me of the time when women started wearing trousers — it was during the world war they had left behind their pretty gowns corsets and stockings and man up! Some of us can do that with aplomb,” adds Karuna Gopal.

Actress and model Bidita Bag, who is known for her inclination towards socio-political films, says, “Given a chance, I will fight for my country.” She says India’s military strength ranking in the world is fourth, which makes it a powerful army. “Opinions don’t run a country, actions do,” she smiles.

DID YOU KNOW

Indian actor Mohammed Ali Shah, a nephew of veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah acted in serval movies like Agent Vinod, Haider, and Yaara. Prior to acting, he served the Indian Army and was been posted on the Indo-Pak border for two years. He also fought the insurgency in the Northeast for three long years.

Similarly, Anand Bakshi, one of the best and the most successful lyricists in Indian cinema, joined the Royal Indian Navy in 1944. After partition, he served the Indian Army till 1956.

There are are least 10 Hollywood actors who served in the military during World War II.

When it comes to India, the immediate names one can think of women warriors is Jhansi Laxmi Bai, Kittur Chennamma, Velu Nachiyar, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Rani Durgavati among others.

Prince Harry served in the Army for 10 years, rising to the rank of Captain and undertaking two tours of Afghanistan. He continues to work in support of his fellow servicemen, promoting support for wounded men and women as they adapt to life post-injury.

Ukraine’s youngest deputy Sviatoslav Yurash, armed with an AK-47 took to the streets of the capital, Kyiv, to defend his nation from Russia’s attacks. The 26-year-old member of Ukraine’s parliament had said, “I'm no soldier, but the point is that this is a fight for everybody now.”