Meet Anjali Kulathe: The 26/11 hero who saved 20 pregnant women inspired Kangana’s film
As Bharat Bhagya Vidhaata brings a little-known story of 26/11 to the big screen, the film sheds light on a woman whose courage helped save lives during one of India’s darkest nights.
When most people think of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, they remember images of chaos at the Taj Hotel, CST Railway Station and other places targeted by terrorists. But away from television cameras, stories of extraordinary courage unfolded in places that rarely make headlines.
One such story is of nurse Anjali Kulathe. As terrorists entered Mumbai’s Cama Hospital on the night of November 26, 2008, Kulthe stepped in to protect some of the most vulnerable people inside the building. More than 16 years later, his remarkable story is ready to reach a wider audience india destiny makerKangana Ranaut is in the lead role in the upcoming film, who is playing the role of a nurse.
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Who is Anjali Kulathe?
Kulathe was on duty at Cama Hospital when reports started coming in that the terrorists who attacked CST were moving towards the hospital. What started as a normal change soon turned into a fight for survival.
In an earlier interview with ndtv, Kulthe recalled that he heard gunshots before seeing the terrorists enter the hospital premises after shooting the security personnel. As panic spread through the building, she quickly realized that the patients in her care needed protection.
Instead of running away, he collected 20 pregnant women from the ward and took them to a small pantry. Lights were switched off, mobile phones were switched off and everyone sat quietly in the dark as the attack took place outside.
How did he save lives when the attack continued?
The danger did not end here. During the siege, one of the women, a high-risk patient suffering from high blood pressure, went into labor.
As firing continued inside the hospital and the doctors were unable to reach the ward safely, Kulathe took charge. She carefully carried the patient to the labor room, moving step by step along the stairs, keeping close to the wall.
By the next morning the woman safely gave birth to a baby girl. According to Kulthe, the child was later named “Goli” in memory of the fateful night at which he was born.
Why is his story being told now?
india destiny maker It highlights the courage shown by common Indians in extraordinary circumstances. Through Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Kulthe, the film will revisit a chapter of the 26/11 attacks that many may not be aware of.
As discussions about the attacks resurface following the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana, the film also draws renewed attention to the frontline workers who risked their lives to protect others. While the attacks took the lives of 166 people and left indelible scars on the country, stories like Kulthe’s are powerful reminders of the bravery that emerged amid the horror.
india destiny maker It is scheduled to release on June 12.