Meet Anjali Kulthe: 26/11 hero who saved 20 pregnant women, inspired Kangana's film
As Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata brings a little-known 26/11 story to the big screen, the film shines a 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 terror attacks, they remember the images of chaos at the Taj Hotel, CST railway station and other locations targeted by terrorists. But away from the television cameras, stories of extraordinary courage unfolded in places that rarely made headlines.
One such story belongs to nurse Anjali Kulthe. As terrorists entered Mumbai's Cama Hospital on the night of November 26, 2008, Kulthe stepped up to protect some of the most vulnerable people inside the building. More than 16 years later, her remarkable story is set to reach a wider audience through Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, the upcoming film starring Kangana Ranaut, who portrays the nurse.
Who is Anjali Kulthe?
Kulthe was on duty at Cama Hospital when reports began coming in that terrorists who had attacked CST were moving towards the facility. What started as an ordinary shift soon turned into a fight for survival.
In an earlier interview with NDTV, Kulthe recalled hearing gunshots before seeing terrorists enter the hospital premises after shooting security personnel. As panic spread through the building, she quickly realised that the patients in her care needed protection.
Instead of fleeing, she gathered 20 pregnant women from the ward and moved them into a small pantry. The lights were switched off, mobile phones were silenced, and everyone sat quietly in the dark as the attack unfolded outside.
How did she save lives while the attack continued?
The danger did not end there. During the siege, one of the women, a high-risk patient suffering from hypertension, went into labour.
With gunfire continuing inside the hospital and doctors unable to safely reach the ward, Kulthe took charge. She carefully escorted the patient to the labour room, moving step by step along a staircase while staying close to the wall.
By the following morning, the woman had delivered a baby girl safely. According to Kulthe, the child was later named "Goli" in memory of the terrifying night that surrounded her birth.
Why is her story being told now?
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata shines a light on the courage shown by ordinary Indians during extraordinary circumstances. Through Kangana Ranaut's portrayal of Kulthe, the film will revisit a chapter of the 26/11 attacks that many may not know about.
As discussions around the attacks have resurfaced following the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana, the film also brings renewed attention to frontline workers who risked their lives to protect others. While the attacks claimed 166 lives and left lasting scars on the nation, stories like Kulthe's remain powerful reminders of the bravery that emerged amid the horror.
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata is slated for release on June 12.
When most people think of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, they remember the images of chaos at the Taj Hotel, CST railway station and other locations targeted by terrorists. But away from the television cameras, stories of extraordinary courage unfolded in places that rarely made headlines.
One such story belongs to nurse Anjali Kulthe. As terrorists entered Mumbai's Cama Hospital on the night of November 26, 2008, Kulthe stepped up to protect some of the most vulnerable people inside the building. More than 16 years later, her remarkable story is set to reach a wider audience through Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, the upcoming film starring Kangana Ranaut, who portrays the nurse.
Who is Anjali Kulthe?
Kulthe was on duty at Cama Hospital when reports began coming in that terrorists who had attacked CST were moving towards the facility. What started as an ordinary shift soon turned into a fight for survival.
In an earlier interview with NDTV, Kulthe recalled hearing gunshots before seeing terrorists enter the hospital premises after shooting security personnel. As panic spread through the building, she quickly realised that the patients in her care needed protection.
Instead of fleeing, she gathered 20 pregnant women from the ward and moved them into a small pantry. The lights were switched off, mobile phones were silenced, and everyone sat quietly in the dark as the attack unfolded outside.
How did she save lives while the attack continued?
The danger did not end there. During the siege, one of the women, a high-risk patient suffering from hypertension, went into labour.
With gunfire continuing inside the hospital and doctors unable to safely reach the ward, Kulthe took charge. She carefully escorted the patient to the labour room, moving step by step along a staircase while staying close to the wall.
By the following morning, the woman had delivered a baby girl safely. According to Kulthe, the child was later named "Goli" in memory of the terrifying night that surrounded her birth.
Why is her story being told now?
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata shines a light on the courage shown by ordinary Indians during extraordinary circumstances. Through Kangana Ranaut's portrayal of Kulthe, the film will revisit a chapter of the 26/11 attacks that many may not know about.
As discussions around the attacks have resurfaced following the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana, the film also brings renewed attention to frontline workers who risked their lives to protect others. While the attacks claimed 166 lives and left lasting scars on the nation, stories like Kulthe's remain powerful reminders of the bravery that emerged amid the horror.
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata is slated for release on June 12.
