Mumbai | July 17, 2025 : Bollywood’s biggest action icon, Salman Khan, is currently deep in preparation for one of his most physically and emotionally demanding roles yet, that of Colonel B Santosh Babu in the upcoming film ‘Battle of Galwan’, based on the 2020 India-China clash in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Salman opened up about the intense transformation he’s undergoing for the role and the physical toll it’s taking. “It’s slow, I’m not feeling it yet,” he admitted. “But I will especially when I feel the cold water. That, for sure, I am feeling. Shooting in Ladakh is no joke.”

Rugged Terrain, Real Emotions
The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is currently being shot in Leh, with the first schedule capturing the harsh beauty of Ladakh’s high-altitude landscape. The terrain is challenging, the water is freezing, and the conditions unforgiving - but Salman insists on authenticity.

The actor recently revealed the first look poster of Battle of Galwan, which instantly went viral. With a bruised face, blood-streaked skin, and a soldier’s steely resolve in his eyes, Salman transforms into Colonel Babu, the commanding officer who led Indian soldiers during the Galwan clash and was martyred in action.

Military Discipline On & Off Set
Off-camera, Salman is living like a soldier too. He’s cut out alcohol, junk food, fizzy drinks, and drastically reduced his carb intake. He follows a strict fitness regime that includes weight training, cardio, and altitude conditioning, guided by a personal trainer.

To simulate Ladakh’s high-altitude environment while training at home, he even uses a high-pressure oxygen chamber installed in his personal gym, a method typically reserved for elite athletes and military personnel.

A Role That Hits Hard
This film marks a rare turn for Salman Khan, known for his larger-than-life characters and commercial hits. In Battle of Galwan, he portrays a real-life hero, taking on the role of a man whose courage and sacrifice made headlines across the country.

The film also stars Chitrangda Singh in a pivotal role, with a screenplay that promises to balance action, emotion, and historical gravity.

Beyond Box Office
For Salman, this film isn’t just about stunts or screen presence. “It’s about doing justice to the story and the man behind it. This role demands more than muscles, it demands heart,” he said.

With a release date still under wraps, Battle of Galwan is already one of the most anticipated films of 2025. And as the first bullets fly on set, Salman Khan is clearly aiming for more than applause - he’s going for honour.