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The gentleman who's not a full-time officer

You needn't be in the armed forces full time to uphold the nation's honour. You can pursue the profession of your choice -- and yet serve as an officer in the Territorial Army.

Lieutenant Vishal Bakshi of Delhi on Tuesday became the first-ever film actor to join the TA, when he received his stars at the piping ceremony of the 124 Infantry Sikh Battalion, from Commanding Officer Colonel Shamsher Singh and his father, retired Major S K Bakshi.

Lieutenant Bakshi would now be required to devote two months of service every year to the TA. He could pursue his film career the rest of the time, though he could be called in in emergencies.

Coming from a family of army officers -- both father and grandfather served in the forces -- he feels this role is cut out for him. He, in fact, had never planned to become an actor; but a photographer friend sent some of his pictures to an acting academy in Bombay and he was selected for a course.

The TA already has a host of officers who have earned a name for themselves in other vocations. Brigadier K P Singh Deo is a politician and has been a Union minister, Major Sanjay Singh is also in politics and Brigadier Kapil Mohan, who earned the Vishist Seva medal for his services, is an industrialist.

Lt Bakshi said his commissioning in the TA could also help in ensuring a better portrayal of the armed forces in the film industry.

The actor is to have his debut shortly in the film Dil Churaya Aapne with Ayesha Jhulka as co-star. Another film, Love Junction, is being shot. A third, with the army as background, is also being planned.

UNI

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