Colonel Santosh Babu: The Real Hero Shown by Salman Khan in Battle of Galwan
Published on: December 29, 2025
Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu is one of the bravest officers in modern Indian military history. He was the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment and played a key role during the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. His courage, leadership, and sacrifice made him a true national hero. Bollywood actor Salman Khan will portray his role in the upcoming movie Battle of Galwan, which is based on this historic event.
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Who Was Colonel Santosh Babu?
Colonel Santosh Babu was born on February 13, 1983, in Suryapet, Telangana. He came from a simple middle-class family. His father worked as a bank employee, and his mother took care of the family. From a young age, Santosh was disciplined, hardworking, and patriotic.
He studied at Sainik School, Korukonda, where students are trained to become future officers. His dedication and leadership qualities helped him get selected for the National Defence Academy (NDA). Later, he completed his military training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
Military Career
Colonel Santosh Babu joined the Indian Army on June 12, 2004 with service number IC-64405Y. Colonel Santosh Babu had a proud and successful military career that lasted for more than 16 years, as part of the 16 Bihar Regiment. During his career, he served in many difficult areas, including Jammu and Kashmir. He also worked as an instructor at the Infantry School in Mhow, where he trained young officers.
In 2019, he became the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment. His soldiers respected him because he always led from the front and cared deeply for his team.
By 2020, during Operation Snow Leopard, he was posted in the Galwan Valley. This operation was meant to protect India’s borders as tensions with China were rising. The Galwan Valley is a very cold and difficult area, located more than 14,000 feet above sea level. This posting placed him in a very important and sensitive border region
The Galwan Valley Clash (June 15, 2020)
The Galwan Valley clash happened in Eastern Ladakh during rising border tensions between India and China. Both sides had agreed to withdraw troops, but Chinese soldiers broke the agreement.
Colonel Santosh Babu led a patrol to check the situation. Indian soldiers suddenly faced a large group of Chinese troops armed with sticks, stones, and iron rods. The fight turned into a brutal hand-to-hand battle in freezing temperatures and rough terrain. Even though the Indian soldiers were fewer in number, they fought bravely under Colonel Babu’s leadership and stopped the Chinese troops from moving further into Indian land.
Bravery and Sacrifice
Colonel Babu showed exceptional courage during the clash. Even after being badly injured by a heavy blow to his head, he continued to lead his men. He motivated his soldiers and ensured the enemy could not cross into Indian territory.
He later fell into the icy Galwan River and sacrificed his life in the line of duty. Along with him, 19 other Indian soldiers also lost their lives. Their bravery stopped further enemy movement and protected India’s border. The clash also caused losses on the Chinese side, but China did not share official numbers. Colonel Babu’s sacrifice stopped the situation from getting worse and helped protect India’s borders in this important area
Maha Vir Chakra Award
For his unmatched bravery, Colonel Santosh Babu was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra on January 26, 2021. This is India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award. The honor recognized his fearless leadership and supreme sacrifice. This award made him a national hero and inspired many people, especially those serving in the armed forces.
Personal Life
Colonel Santosh Babu was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Santoshi, son Anirudh, and daughter Abhigna. His family showed great strength and pride while remembering his service to the nation.
His family was living in Delhi when he was posted there. His friends and family said he was friendly, cheerful, and very caring. He always cared for his soldiers like his own family. His death at the age of 37 was a great loss, but his family showed great strength and earned respect by keeping his memory alive
Friends and fellow officers remember him as kind, cheerful, and always ready to help others.
Battle of Galwan Movie
The movie Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is inspired by the real-life events of June 2020. Salman Khan will play the role of Colonel Santosh Babu. The teaser was released on December 27, 2025, and received a strong response from the public.
The film aims to show the harsh conditions of high-altitude warfare and the bravery of Indian soldiers. Even though Salman Khan is older than the real Colonel Babu, the movie serves as a tribute to his courage and sacrifice.
The teaser line At 15,000 feet shows the bravery of soldiers fighting in high mountains. Some people talked about Salman Khan’s age compared to the real Colonel Babu. But the movie is a tribute and helps young people learn about Colonel Babu’s courage and the Galwan clash
Legacy of a True Hero
Colonel Santosh Babu’s name will always be remembered with pride. Roads, schools, and memorials have been named after him in different parts of India. His story inspires young Indians to serve the nation with honesty and courage.
His life reminds us that true heroes do not seek fame. They silently protect the nation, even at the cost of their own lives.
Conclusion
Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu was not just a soldier; he was a symbol of bravery, leadership, and patriotism. Salman Khan plays his role in Battle of Galwan. The movie Battle of Galwan brings his story to a wider audience and ensures that his sacrifice is never forgotten.
India salutes Colonel Santosh Babu — A real hero who stood tall for the nation.
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