Randeep Hooda marks 10 years of 'Sarbjit' with emotional video tribute
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda on 20 May 2026 marked a decade since the release of his critically acclaimed film 'Sarbjit', sharing an emotionally charged video montage on social media that revisited the film's most powerful moments. The tribute reel featured co-stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Richa Chadha, drawing fresh attention to a film that resonated deeply with audiences for its portrayal of a real human tragedy.
The Montage and What It Showed
Hooda's post opened with a dark, haunting frame bearing the text '10 Years of Sarbjit', followed by a succession of emotionally charged scenes from the film. The reel captured glimpses of Sarabjit's character living out quiet family moments before tragedy overtook his life. He captioned the post simply: '10 Years of Sarbjit.'
Among the most striking sequences were scenes featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who portrayed Dalbir Kaur — the real-life sister of Sarabjit Singh who waged a relentless campaign for his release from a Pakistani prison.
The Film and Its Real-Life Roots
Directed by Omung Kumar and released in 2016, 'Sarbjit' was based on the true story of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian farmer who reportedly crossed the India-Pakistan border accidentally and was subsequently imprisoned in Pakistan after being accused of terrorism. The film traced both his harrowing years in captivity and his sister Dalbir Kaur's fierce public battle to bring him home.
The film was produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Sandeep Singh, and Omung Kumar under the banners of T-Series, Legend Studios, and others. The cast also included Darshan Kumaar and Shiwani Saini in pivotal roles.
Aishwarya's Comeback and Hooda's Transformation
'Sarbjit' held additional significance as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's second film following her return to cinema after motherhood. She had made her comeback with 'Jazbaa' in 2015, and 'Sarbjit' followed the next year, with her performance as the grief-stricken yet determined Dalbir Kaur earning considerable praise.
One of the most discussed aspects of the film at the time was Randeep Hooda's extreme physical transformation. To authentically portray a prisoner subjected to years of deprivation, Hooda reportedly lost a significant amount of weight in a very short span — a commitment to the role that drew widespread attention and critical admiration.
A Film That Still Resonates
Ten years on, the anniversary tribute underscores the film's enduring emotional weight. 'Sarbjit' remains one of the more unflinching biographical dramas in recent Hindi cinema, confronting questions of statecraft, identity, and human cost that have not lost their relevance. As Hooda's montage circulates once again, the story of Sarabjit Singh finds a new generation of viewers.