Celebrities Who Served in the Indian Army: The Indian Army is one of the prestigious services in India and teh Indian Army is the world’s second largest voluntary military force and a core symbol of national pride, which is operating under the motto "Service Before Self".
To serve in the Indian Army is one of the proud moments of every citizen of India. To get the the service, there is open vacancy, but there is another way also to serve in India Indian army, if you have done a valuable work to proud whole India, then on the recommendation of Army Chief Staff, he/she can can served.
There are many celebrities who have also served in the Indian Army, including sportsperson, and actors for their contribution toward the nation in their association works, they have given honourable rank in the Territorial Army.
Among the most celebrities, who have served in the Indian Army are Nana Patekar, Neeraj Chopra, Mohanlal, Kapil Dev, and Abhinav Bhindra.
Here is the complete list and the nature of their association with the Indian Army.
List of Celebrities Associated With the Indian Army
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Celebrities
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Profession
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Army Association
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Rank
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Actor
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Served in the Territorial Army
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Major
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Javelin Thrower
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Served in the Indian Army
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Subedar Major; later Honorary Lt Colonel
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Mohanlal
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Actor
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Honorary commission in Territorial Army
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Honorary Lt Colonel
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MS Dhoni
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Cricketer
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Honorary commission in Territorial Army
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Honorary Lt Colonel
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Kapil Dev
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Cricketer
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Honorary commission in Territorial Army
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Honorary Lt Colonel
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Abhinav Bindra
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Shooter
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Honorary commission in Territorial Army
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Honorary Lt Colonel
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1. Nana Patekar
Nana Patekar is one of the prominent Indian actors to have a connection with the Territorial Army. He is known for his work in both Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Government broadcaster Akashvani has described Patekar as an Indian Territorial Army officer.
His association with the military is particularly notable because it went beyond simply portraying soldiers on screen. His military connection began around the making of the film Prahaar, for which he underwent training.
His name is therefore often mentioned among actors who had a real association with military service.
- Army connection: Territorial Army
- Rank: Major
- Profession: Actor and filmmaker
2. Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra is another personality whose association with the Indian Army is especially significant.
The Olympic and World Champion javelin thrower was enrolled in the Indian Army in 2016. Served with the Rajputana Rifles. The Ministry of Defence has officially recorded his Army service.
He was initially inducted as a Naib Subedar. Later rose through the ranks. His sporting achievements brought him honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
In 2025 President Droupadi Murmu granted him an Honorary Commission as Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally conferred the insignia on him in October 2025.
- Army association: Indian Army and Territorial Army
- Earlier rank: Subedar Major
- Honorary rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Regiment: Rajputana Rifles
Unlike personalities who only received honorary military ranks, Neeraj Chopra had actual Army service.
3. Mohanlal
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has also had an association with the Indian Armed Forces.
According to the Press Information Bureau Mohanlal was commissioned as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army in 2009.
The actor has played military-related characters during his long film career but his real-life connection with the Army is through his honorary commission.
It is important to understand that an honorary commission is different from military service.
- Profession: Actor
- Army association: Territorial Army
- Rank: Honorary Lieutenant Colonel
- Year: 2009
4. MS Dhoni
Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is another personality associated with the Territorial Army.
In 2011 the Government of India announced that Dhoni had been granted the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army.
The honour recognised his contribution to cricket and his commitment to the Army.
Dhoni has also shown a personal interest in the Armed Forces and has been associated with the Parachute Regiment.
However Dhoni should not be described as an Army officer simply because he holds an honorary rank.
- Profession: Cricketer
- Army association: Territorial Army
- Rank: Honorary Lieutenant Colonel
- Year of honorary commission: 2011
5. Kapil Dev
Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev is another known sportsperson who has been associated with the Territorial Army.
The Ministry of Defence has listed Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Kapil Dev among the officers of the Territorial Army.
His honorary military position recognised his achievements and his association with the Armed Forces.
- Profession: Cricketer
- Army association: Territorial Army
- Rank: Honorary Lieutenant Colonel
Kapil Dev's inclusion is another example of how the Territorial Army has built a connection with prominent personalities from civilian life.
6. Abhinav Bindra
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra was also granted a rank in the Territorial Army.
In November 2011 the Ministry of Defence announced that Bindra had been commissioned as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army.
The Government stated that the honour recognised his contribution to shooting and his commitment to the Army.
- Profession: Shooter
- Army association: Territorial Army
- Rank: Honorary Lieutenant Colonel
- Year: 2011
What Is the Territorial Army?
The Territorial Army (TA) is a part of Indias military system. It is designed around the idea of a citizens army allowing eligible citizens to serve the nation while pursuing their professions.
The Government of India states that the Territorial Army has played a role in assisting the Regular Army and has participated in Indias wars and other national duties.
The Territorial Army therefore provides a link between life and military service.
Regular Army Service vs Honorary Rank
This distinction is important when talking about celebrities and the Indian Army.
Actual Army service: A person is enrolled or commissioned and performs military duties according to the applicable rules.
Honorary military rank: A personality is given an honorary rank in recognition of achievements, contribution or association with the Armed Forces. This does not automatically mean that the person served as a regular Army officer.
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Basis
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Regular/Actual Army Service
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Honorary Army Rank
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Meaning
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The person is officially enrolled or commissioned into the Army and performs military duties.
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A rank is awarded as an honour or recognition for a person's achievements and contribution.
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Military duties
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The person may perform assigned military duties according to their service status.
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Holding an honorary rank does not by itself mean regular military service.
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Training
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The person undergoes military training applicable to their service.
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Honorary appointees are not necessarily required to undergo the same training as regular officers.
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Purpose
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To serve as part of the military organisation.
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To recognise outstanding achievement, contribution or association with the Armed Forces.
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Example
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Neeraj Chopra was enrolled in the Indian Army in 2016 and served with the Rajputana Rifles.
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MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev, Abhinav Bindra and Mohanlal have received honorary ranks in the Territorial Army.
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Important point
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Actual service should not be confused with simply holding an honorary rank.
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An honorary rank should not automatically be described as regular Army service.
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Why Do Celebrities Receive Honorary Army Ranks?
The Armed Forces have recognised eminent personalities for their achievements and their commitment to the nation.
In the case of Dhoni and Bindra the Government specifically stated that the honorary rank was awarded for their contribution to cricket and shooting and their commitment to the Army.
Such personalities can also help strengthen the connection between the Armed Forces and the wider public.
Conclusion
The connection between celebrities and the Indian Army is not limited to films about soldiers or patriotic performances. Some famous personalities have had an association with military service while others have been recognised with honorary ranks in the Territorial Army.
Among these names Neeraj Chopra stands out for his enrolment and service in the Indian Army while Nana Patekar is identified as a former Territorial Army officer. Mohanlal, MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev and Abhinav Bhindra meanwhile have received military ranks for their achievements and association, with the Armed Forces.