Director Apoorva Lakhia, on October 31, 2025, clarified that Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan is not involved in the upcoming war drama "Battle of Galwan", dispelling widespread speculation fuelled by a recent social media post showing the two in conversation on a Mumbai set. Lakhia had shared photos on his Instagram Stories on October 29, captioned, "Guess what he is telling me? #legendonsetstoday," alongside Bachchan, igniting rumours of a potential cameo or full role in the Salman Khan-starrer, which revisits the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops.

Fans on platforms like Reddit buzzed with excitement, envisioning a reunion between Bachchan and Khan after 17 years since their last collaboration in "God Tussi Great Ho" (2008), with some speculating Bachchan could portray a veteran soldier or narrator. However, Lakhia told media outlets, "No. He was shooting for a commercial in the opposite studio, so I went to meet him and said hello," attributing the chance encounter to their proximity in Film City's studios, where Bachchan was filming for "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC).

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The duo's history adds warmth to the clarification, having previously teamed up on films like "Ek Ajnabee" (2005), a remake of "The Bourne Identity", and "Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost" (2003), where their on-screen chemistry was lauded. Lakhia, known for action-packed narratives in movies such as "Holiday" (2006) and "Mission Mangal" (2019), is currently helming the second schedule of "Battle of Galwan" in Mumbai, a project announced in May 2025 that marks Khan's first lead role as an Indian Army officer in a military-themed film.

The movie draws from the real-life June 15, 2020, skirmish in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives in a brutal hand-to-hand clash with over 1,200 Chinese troops, highlighting themes of valour and national pride without firearms. Production began in October, with rigorous training for Khan to embody the physically demanding and emotionally layered character of a frontline defender.

Joining the cast for this schedule is actress Chitrangada Singh, who will portray a pivotal role, adding depth to the ensemble that includes Abhilash Chaudhary, Ankur Bhatia, and others. While rumours of additional cameos—like Govinda's potential appearance—continue to swirl, Lakhia has emphasised the film's grounded intensity, promising a cinematic tribute to the soldiers' sacrifice that avoids Bollywood tropes for authenticity. The project, produced under Khan's Salman Khan Films banner, aims for a 2026 release, aligning with rising interest in patriotic narratives post the border standoff.

This episode underscores the frenzy surrounding Bollywood's big names, where a simple meet-and-greet can snowball into casting scoops, amplified by social media's viral reach. As "Battle of Galwan" progresses, it not only spotlights Khan's return to disciplined roles but also honours a pivotal chapter in modern Indian military history, with Lakhia's direction poised to blend action with emotional resonance for audiences seeking stories of resilience.

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