Battle of Galwan Movie 2026: When Salman Khan appears on screen in an army uniform, the moment instantly commands attention. His upcoming patriotic film ‘Battle of Galwan’, inspired by the Galwan Valley clash, does more than promise action. It brings back the story of a real officer whose courage shaped one of India’s most defining military moments in recent history. That officer was Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu.
The film may introduce his name to a new generation, but Colonel Santosh Babu’s life, leadership, and sacrifice go far beyond cinema. His story belongs to the mountains of Ladakh, the frozen waters of the Galwan River, and the soldiers who stood their ground without firearms on a dark June night in 2020.
Who Was Colonel B. Santosh Babu?
Colonel B. Santosh Babu was born on February 13, 1983, in the Suryapet district of Telangana. He grew up in a disciplined environment. His early education took place at Sri Saraswathi Sishumandir School. He later joined Sainik School in Korukonda, where his interest in the armed forces took firm root.
He was known as a bright student. He excelled in academics and outdoor activities. His dream was clear from a young age. He wanted to serve the nation in uniform.
That dream led him to the National Defence Academy in December 2000. After completing training there, he joined the Indian Military Academy. On December 10, 2004, he was commissioned into the 16th Battalion of the Bihar Regiment as a lieutenant.
A Soldier Shaped by Experience
The Bihar Regiment has a long reputation for bravery, and Santosh Babu lived up to that legacy from his first posting in Jammu. He served as a Ghatak Platoon Commander, an Anti-Tank Platoon Commander, and a Rifle Company Commander.
He later became an instructor at the NDA, and also served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Congo during the Kivu conflict. These roles shaped him into a calm, capable, and deeply respected officer.
On December 2, 2019, he took command of the 16 Bihar Regiment. By then, he had extensive experience in counter-insurgency and high-altitude operations. Those skills would soon be tested in extreme conditions.
What Happened in Galwan Valley?
In June 2020, Colonel Santosh Babu led the 16 Bihar unit stationed near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. His mission was clear as he had to ensure that Chinese troops did not cross Patrol Point 14 in the Galwan Valley.
After talks between both sides on June 6, disengagement had begun. Chinese troops initially dismantled their post, but on June 14, they returned and rebuilt structures on the Indian side.
On the night of June 15, Colonel Babu chose to personally engage the intruding troops and walked forward with around thirty soldiers. He believed in resolving the situation without escalation.
A Chinese soldier pushed him during the confrontation. A violent clash erupted, and the fight intensified after reinforcements arrived. The Chinese troops returned armed with iron rods, stones, and barbed wire-wrapped sticks.
How Colonel Santosh Babu Died
The battle unfolded in darkness, at 14,000 feet, on steep terrain. Colonel Babu led from the front. At around 9 pm, he was struck on the head by a stone. He fell into the freezing Galwan River.
His men did not retreat. They fought with renewed force, and the clash continued until midnight.
India lost twenty soldiers that night. Many died from injuries, and others succumbed to hypothermia after falling into icy waters. Colonel Santosh Babu was among them. His body was recovered on June 17 and was cremated with full military honours the next day.
On January 26, 2021, Colonel B. Santosh Babu was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award.
A statue now stands in his hometown of Suryapet. The Indian Army also built the “Gallants of Galwan” memorial in eastern Ladakh to honour the fallen soldiers. His legacy lives on through his regiment, his family, and the soldiers he inspired.
Why B. Santosh Babu’s Story Still Matters Today
The upcoming film of Salman Khan brings his name back into public focus. In the teaser, Salman Khan’s voice declares, “Soldiers, remember… if you get wounded, consider it a medal, and if you see death, salute it.”
Later, the line echoes again, “Why fear death, it is bound to come!”
These words resonate because Colonel Santosh Babu lived them. He did not command from behind; he stood face to face with danger. His life reminds the nation that leadership means presence, and courage means stepping forward first. And sacrifice often happens far from the spotlight.
When Salman Khan appears on screen in an army uniform, the moment instantly commands attention. His upcoming patriotic film, inspired by the Galwan Valley clash, does more than promise action.
The film may introduce his name to a new generation. But Colonel Santosh Babu’s life, leadership, and sacrifice go far beyond cinema. His story belongs to the mountains of Ladakh, the frozen waters of the Galwan River, and the soldiers who stood their ground without firearms on a dark June night in 2020.