Mumbai, August 28: Vikramjeet Kanwarpal was one of those actors whose real-life story is as captivating as any film. Frequently seen on screen as a police officer, army officer, or a stern authority figure, Vikramjeet was also a part of the Indian Army in real life. He served the nation for nearly 13 years before retiring as a Major, but he never abandoned his dream of acting.
From a young age, Vikramjeet had a passion for acting and films. Even during his military service, the desire to enter Bollywood remained strong. Finally, at the age of 34, he decided to pursue this dream.
Born on August 29, 1968, in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Vikramjeet hailed from a family with military ties. His father, Dwarka Nath Kanwarpal, was also an officer in the Indian Army and was honored with the Kirti Chakra for bravery in 1963. Vikramjeet showed an interest in acting from his school days, participating in various plays. His friends affectionately called him “Bij” or “Biju.”
With dreams of the silver screen, Vikramjeet joined the Indian Army in 1989. He served for about 13 years, with postings in various locations, and was a participant in the Kargil War. His childhood friend, Vandana Shah, recounted in an interview that after the Kargil War, Vikramjeet expressed his desire to enter films. He shared that during his duties, he had come face-to-face with death and realized that life is short, prompting him to fulfill his dreams. This mindset significantly influenced his decision to pursue a career in Bollywood.
After retiring from the army, Vikramjeet chased his long-held dream. In 2002, he met Pooja Bhatt in Mumbai’s Khar area, leading to his opportunity to work in the film “Paap.” Released in 2003, this film marked his entry into Bollywood. Gradually, he began to receive various roles in films. His tall stature, commanding voice, and serious demeanor made directors favor him for roles as police officers, military personnel, or powerful characters.
Vikramjeet appeared in several notable films, including “Page 3,” “Corporate,” “Don,” “Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year,” “Murder 2,” “Jab Tak Hai Jaan,” “Shaurya,” “1971,” “The Ghazi Attack,” and “Creature 3D.” In “Don,” he played Dr. Ashok Khilwani, and in “Murder 2,” he portrayed Commissioner Ahmed Khan. He did not limit himself to films; he also made a name for himself on television and OTT platforms with projects like “24,” “Special Ops,” “Adalat,” “Reporters,” “Bhaukaal,” and “Your Honor.”
Vikramjeet Kanwarpal passed away on May 1, 2021, due to complications related to COVID-19. He was 52 years old at the time of his death, which sent shockwaves through the film and television industry.
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