Colonel Bhupinder Shahi, whose cinematic journey began with Shershaah starring Sidharth Malhotra, has offered a rare glimpse into the making of Aditya Dhar‘s Dhurandhar starring Ranveer Singh, blending his real-life military experience with cinema, while also shedding light on how closely the film mirrors the world of intelligence operations.Speaking to Vijay Vikram Singh, Shahi described the project as a defining chapter in his life. “I feel like I’m part of history now. I’ve lived my life… beyond history and folklore,” he said, calling Dhurandhar his ninth film as a military consultant and one of his most significant.
‘My father was a spy, not me’
Before diving into the film, Shahi clarified a long-standing perception about his own background. “Not me — my father was a spy,” he said, adding, “I launched spies on screen, but my father actually lived that life.”For Shahi, what sets Dhurandhar apart is not just its scale but the discipline it demanded. “In this industry, your work defines you — how good you are on set, your name travels,” he said.Despite being a retired Colonel, he chose to blend in completely. “I never showed my rank on set… I never said give me this or that. I just sat where I was told,” he shared, adding, “If nobody had told them I’m a Colonel, they wouldn’t have known. No privileges asked.”
‘If I can be a mentor, why not?’
Shahi also spoke about quietly mentoring younger actors during the shoot. “If I can be an idol or a mentor, why not? That’s the purpose of life — to teach others,” he said.Recalling moments on set, he added, “If someone is correcting you, it means you are growing… you’re not doing wrong, you’re doing something right.”He had a clear message for audiences too: “Don’t give up. If you have stress, it means you’re doing something meaningful. You are progressing, you are growing.”
How Dhurandhar came to him: ‘My job was to get data — which I can’t reveal’
Shahi revealed that the project came to him through an industry connection. “My name had started circulating… Rahul Gandhi (not the politician) approached me. He’s a very humble man. I had worked with him earlier,” he said.“I didn’t even know how big the project was. Whatever work was given to me, I completed it 200%.”Opening up about his contribution, Shahi said, “My important job was to get the data — which I can’t tell.”He further explained, “I worked on liaisoning with the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs, arranging facilities, authenticating things, making it realistic.”Praising director Aditya Dhar, he added, “He is a wonderful director… a legend today.”Shahi claimed the film has sparked conversations beyond India. “Prime ministers and global leaders are discussing Dhurandhar,” he said, recalling instances where people proudly mentioned watching the film.“I was surprised myself when I saw the result — the level of authenticity is incredible,” he added.The former Army officer stressed that the film is rooted in reality. “Yes, there is some cinematic flair, but the authenticity is very high,” he said, referencing real-world events and experiences.“Such people exist… every country has them,” he noted.
A real-life story that mirrors the film
Shahi went on to narrate a striking real-life account of one of his recruits. “He spent three to four months in PoK… gathered crucial data,” he said.Describing the risks, he added, “He even got exposed once… a woman saved him. He came back late, risking being shot at the LoC.”“He was extracted, debriefed and awarded. These are real stories,” Shahi said, emphasising the dangerous reality behind such missions.
How spies are made: ‘You don’t pick anyone randomly’
Addressing how intelligence agents are recruited, Shahi dismissed cinematic shortcuts, as shown in Dhurandhar: The Revenge. “You don’t just pick anyone and make them a spy,” he said.“There is a process — you check IQ, capability. Then grooming, training… even creating a full identity with records,” he explained, calling it “a very tough and complex task.”He also pointed out that such operations are often handled by agencies like Research and Analysis Wing.
‘Intelligence is a 24/7 job’
On how intelligence gathering works, Shahi said, “It’s a daily process — human networks, cyber, satellites, drones.”“The real challenge is analysing data… connecting the dots,” he explained, adding, “It’s a 24/7 task, not an easy one.”Even with technology, he stressed the importance of human intelligence: “You need people on the ground… to know what’s happening inside a room.”
‘After so many films, I got recognition with Dhurandhar’
Reflecting on the film’s reception, Shahi said it has been deeply personal. “My son called me from Canada saying he was proud to see my name,” he shared.“After so many films, I finally got recognition with Dhurandhar. All thanks to Aditya Dhar.”
‘Ranveer Singh did a phenomenal job’
Though his interaction with Ranveer Singh was limited, Shahi had nothing but praise. “He was completely busy in his role… but he did a phenomenal job. Fantastic work,” he said.
