10 Indian Celebrities Who Grew Up in Military Families

By Sushant Agarwal

Published on | May 16, 2025

Akshay Kumar – Army Kid to Action Star

His father, Hari Om Bhatia, served in the Army's Amritsar Regiment. He credits his grounded lifestyle & fitness discipline to his military upbringing.

Anushka Sharma – Daughter of a Kargil War Hero

Anushka’s father, Col. Ajay Sharma, served in the Kargil War. She studied at Army School, Bengaluru, learning strength and adaptability early on.

Priyanka Chopra – Raised by Army Doctors

Priyanka, daughter of late Dr. Ashok Chopra and Dr. Madhu Chopra, had a nomadic childhood that shaped her adaptability and global success.

Lara Dutta – Poised with Air Force Values

Miss Universe 2000 Lara Dutta is the daughter of Wing Commander L.K. Dutta. Her poise and discipline stem from growing up in an Air Force household.

Rannvijay Singha – Almost an Army Officer

Son of a Lieutenant General, Rannvijay cleared the SSB but chose showbiz. His military upbringing shaped his confidence & iconic presence on TV.

Sushmita Sen – Air Force Pride Runs Deep

Miss Universe 1994, Sushmita is the daughter of Wg Cdr Shubeer Sen. Raised in Delhi’s Air Force school, her elegance reflects her strong upbringing.

Preity Zinta – Strength Born from Loss

Preity Zinta’s father, Army officer Durganand Zinta, passed away when she was 13. Her military household upbringing shaped her strength & resilience.

Gul Panag – Life on the Move

Daughter of Lt Gen Harcharanjit Singh Panag, Gul's childhood spanned multiple cities. Her diverse exposure shaped her intelligence & public activism.

Rakul Preet Singh – Always a Fauji Girl

Her father, Rajender Singh, served in the Army. Rakul proudly credits her discipline and values to her military upbringing.

Nimrat Kaur – Inspired by a Heroic Legacy

Nimrat’s father, Major Bhupinder Singh, was martyred in 1994 terrorist attack; his bravery inspires her every step of her artistic journey.

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