Jaideep Ahlawat reveals being in the Army was his first dream; says, ‘I thought I’d be a good Army officer’

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat has earned admiration for portraying intense, layered characters across films and web series, but behind the tough on-screen image lies a deeply emotional truth. Long before cinema became his path, the actor had just one dream — he wanted to join the Indian Army. While promoting his upcoming film 'Ikkis,' Ahlawat opened up about this unfulfilled ambition and revealed how the pride of the uniform still leaves him emotional years later.

“Being in the Army was my first dream” — and two failed attempts

In a clip shared by PTI from an event for 'Ikkis,' Jaideep Ahlawat spoke candidly about trying and failing to make it into the Army. The actor revealed that he appeared for the Services Selection Board (SSB) exams twice but could not clear them.


“I thought I’d be a good Army officer, but unfortunately, I was sent back home. It is an emotional moment for me,” he said.

He also shared how seeing soldiers in uniform still affects him deeply. “I have many friends in the Indian Army. Whenever I see someone in uniform, I get goosebumps because that was my first dream as an 18–19-year-old boy who wanted to join the Army,” Ahlawat added.

The airport memory that still hurts

One of the most painful memories in Ahlawat’s life is linked to a visit to Chennai in 2013 when he was filming Vishwaroopam. While returning to Mumbai, he witnessed young cadets celebrating a significant milestone.

“The most difficult day in my life was when I was shooting for Vishwaroopam in Chennai in 2013. While coming back to Mumbai, the passing-out parade of the Officers Training Academy (OTA) was announced, and at the airport, I saw many boys. I was very jealous of them,” he recalled.

How Arun Khetarpal’s bravery gave him goosebumps

Ahlawat also spoke about discovering the story of war hero Arun Khetarpal during a visit to the Indian Military Academy when one of his friends was graduating.

“My first introduction to Khetarpal was when a friend was passing out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA). A pipping ceremony was scheduled, and there it was written in bold — ‘Khetarpal Auditorium.’ I asked him about it, and he told me everything about Arun Khetarpal, and I got goosebumps.”

Years later, when director Sriram Raghavan offered him a role in Ikkis, based on Khetarpal’s life, the emotions resurfaced.
“When Sriram Raghavan approached me and said the film is about Arun Khetarpal, I got goosebumps after 20–25 years. What amazed me was the bravery, passion and fearlessness in a 21-year-old boy — most at that age are struggling to figure out their lives. I get emotional every time I meet Army men, and I feel very jealous when I see all the officers,” he added.

'Ikkis' and Dharmendra’s final film

'Ikkis' stars Agastya Nanda as Param Vir Chakra recipient Arun Khetarpal, with veteran actor Dharmendra playing his father, M.L. Khetarpal. The film marks Dharmendra’s final screen appearance.
Ahlawat plays a decorated Pakistani Army officer and described the film as beautifully made. The project also features Sikander Kher, Shree Bishnoi and Simar Bhatia. Ikkis is slated to release on December 25, 2025.



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