Battle Of Galwan: Who Is Santosh Babu? Meet The Real-Life War Hero Behind Salman Khan's Character

Salman Khan Character In Battle Of Galwan: Salman Khan recently unveiled the first song from his upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan, and it serves as a perfect tribute to soldiers and their sacrifices. Titled "Maatrubhumi," the song evokes deep patriotism, offering a stirring glimpse into the film's emotional and patriotic core right before the Republic Day 2026 celebrations.

Helmed by Apoorva Lakhia, Battle of Galwan revisits the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, bringing to the big screen a story deeply rooted in sacrifice, duty, and resilience.

Battle Of Galwan Cast, Release Date

Headlined by superstar Salman Khan, Battle Of Galwan features Chitrangada Singh as Khan's onscreen wife. The war drama also features Abhilash Chaudhary, Ankur Bhatia, Zeyn Shaw, Heera Sohal, and Vipin Bhardwaj, among others, in important roles.

Based on the real June 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley between Indian and Chinese troops, the film has been scheduled to hit cinemas on April 17, 2026. For those unversed, the Galwan Valley conflict is one of the crucial chapters in the history of the Indian military services.

Whom Is Salman Khan's Character In Battle Of Galwan Based On?

In the Battle Of Galwan, Salman Khan has stepped into the shoes of the real-life hero Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu MVC aka B Santosh Babu. He was the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment that was deployed in Galwan Valley (Eastern Ladakh) during Operation SNOW LEOPARD.

Born on February 13, 1973, Santosh Babu had joined the 105 course of the National Defence Academy in 2000 and subsequently went to the Indian Military Academy in 2004. In 2009, Santosh Babu got married to Santoshi and welcomed a daughter (Abhigana) and a son (Anirudh). At the time of his death, his daughter was aged 9, and Anirudh was only 4 years old.

On the night of June 15, 2020, Indian and Chinese troops clashed in difficult conditions without using firearms, as per border rules. The fight turned into intense hand-to-hand combat. Colonel Babu led from the front, was badly injured, and later lost his life after falling into freezing waters. Later, he was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest wartime gallantry honour, by former President Ram Nath Kovind