Malayalam Actor Mohanlal is now Lt.Colonel Mohanlal

knoughtyd

Malayalam Superstar Mohanlal is now Lt.Colonel Mohanlal

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal who portrayed a brave soldier in the war movies Keerthichakra (2006) and Kurukshetra (2008), will don the Army's Olive Green, this time for the real.He has officially joined the civilian's voluntary army force Territorial Army as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He was commissioned Today by the Army chief, Gen. Deepak Kapoor,who pinned The Ashoka Lion and star on Mohanlal's shoulders at a ceremony in Delhi today

Mohanlal will be part of the 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) of the Madras Regiment or Kannur Terriers.

In preparation to don the Olive Green, Lal had visited Kargil a couple of months ago to undergo training and to be fit to accept the honorary rank of Lt. Col.

After the commissioning, Mohanlal visited Union Defence Minister AK Antony at his office. "This is one of the most precious moments of my life, and I will do all I can for the good of the nation, in the true spirit of a soldier," said the superstar.

The 49-year-old actor had in October said that he was interested in joining the Territorial Army. Rules had to be amended to accommodate the national award winning actor as men above the age of 42 are not eligible to join the volunteer force.

The Territorial Army is a voluntary part-time civilian force that plays a key role in the defence of the country. It provides an opportunity to civilians to receive military training and also provides the country with a reserve force that can assist the regular army during operations, whenever required. However, it remains an honorary post.

Under the TA system, citizens from all walks of life can volunteer for `part-time military service' while pursuing their regular professions during peace-time.

In the event of national emergencies, they may be called upon to become `full-time' personnel to act in a supporting role to regular Army units deployed to meet the country's defence and internal security requirements. The Territorial Army has taken part in the 1971 India-Pakistan war besides serving in several areas over the last 60 years.At present, the TA has 42 infantry battalions.

After former cricket captain Kapil Dev, Mohanlal is the second big celebrity to join the Territorial Army.He has acted in hit movies like Kirti Chakra and Kurukshetra.

Incidentally,Kurukshetra was based on the Kargil war in 1999 and the actor played the role of a commando after which in October Mohanlal had expressed his desire to join the army.

knoughtyd

Kargil inspired me to join army: Lt.Colonel Mohanlal

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who was inducted in the Indian Army today as honorary Lt Colonel, said the tough life faced by soldiers in Kargil and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir inspired him to join the armed forces.

The actor joined the Territorial Army (TA), the part-time citizen's force which functions as a vital adjunct to the regular army. Mohanlal will serve the 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) of Madras Regiment or 'Kannur Terriers.' Before donning the uniform, he had visited Kargil a couple of times.

Originally Posted by Lt.Colonel Mohanlal

I am honoured to join the army. Kargil and Kashmir inspired me to join the forces and the tough time faced by the army personnel is the main motivation behind my step

He also hoped that his joining of the armed forces would inspire people in South India to join the army in large numbers.

Defence Minister A K Antony congratulated the actor on joining the army, and said that now youth will be motivated and inspired by Mohanlal's move and come forward to be part of the army.

The Malayalam superstar has also won National Award three-times and in 2001 was given Padmashri by the government for his contribution towards Indian cinema.

patch01

I'm confused, first they talk of his Colonelcy as being an honorary rank but he has actually enlisted in the Territorials??

Why has he been posted to an infantry battalion with such high rank?? I'd have thought that his profile as an actor would make him a good fit for personnel/recruitment, so in what capacity will he serve??

In any event, he has joined to the Colours and serves as an example of what we should all be proud to do, serving our respective nations and the Commonwealth....

Safin

I have only watched his one Bollywood movie and he was sublime as the IPS officer in Company (for which he sweeped all the awards too

)

Saiyan

Cool

. I hope these are not just for show.

Zeus

Chettan Colonel oh!

knoughtyd

Originally Posted by Safin

I have only watched his one Bollywood movie and he was sublime as the IPS officer in Company (for which he sweeped all the awards too )

He along with Mammooty are the Rulers of Malayalam Industry..

His Two Movies based on Army,Kirtichakra and Kurukshetra,were simply great

knoughtyd

Originally Posted by Saiyan

hope these are not just for show.

No Chance

Here is what an Army Official had to tell abt Lalettan

“Lt Col (Hony) Mohanlal, Padmashri, will be yet another brand ambassador of the Territorial Army. His achievements are an example of his discipline, dedication and hard work which is very synonymous to the army way of life,” a senior Indian Army official said.

“His passion for the army is amply evident from his outstanding and realistic portrayal of the penultimate, fearless and duty bound army officer on the silver screen especially in movies like Kirti Chakra and Kurukshetra.

“As part of his preparation to truly depict the role, he shared the realities of army personnel in actual conflict zone like Tiger Hill and Drass, withstanding extreme weather conditions and combat situations” the official added.

xXx

Good Decision....but then it means he wont be acting anymore

knoughtyd

Originally Posted by xXx

Good Decision....but then it means he wont be acting anymore

No...he can continue acting

Under the Territorial Army system, citizens from all walks of life can volunteer for "part-time military service" while pursuing their regular professions during peace-time