As tensions soared along the western frontier following India’s robust military response to recent provocations by Pakistan, veteran actor Anupam Kher took to social media to share a deeply personal moment from the conflict. In the wake of India foiling multiple Pakistani drone and missile attacks, Kher posted a video that he said was sent to him by his cousin in Jammu—one that reportedly captured the sound and sight of explosions in the vicinity. The actor’s post quickly resonated with thousands, not just for the visual content, but for the strong patriotic sentiment it carried and the sense of familial worry that many Indians near the Line of Control (LoC) could relate to.

The incident stems from a major escalation in the early hours of May 8–9, 2025, when Pakistan’s armed forces launched a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks targeting military installations across India’s western border. According to official statements from the Indian Army, these included unprovoked ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as aerial intrusions using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In response, the Indian Armed Forces effectively repulsed the drone strikes, intercepting the threats with a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures, and launched retaliatory strikes against identified terror infrastructure across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Amid these developments, Anupam Kher’s post stood out for its deeply human perspective. Sharing the clip on X (formerly Twitter), the celebrated actor wrote:

“My cousin brother #SunilKher sent this video from his home in Jammu. I called immediately and asked him if he and his family are ok? He laughed a little proudly.”

Anupam went on to quote his cousin’s response—an emotionally powerful affirmation of faith in the country’s defense forces and spiritual heritage:

“And said, bhaiya, hum Bharat mein hain. Hum Hindustani hai. Humari suraksha Bharatiya Sena aur Mata Vaishno Devi kar rahi hain. Aap tension mat lo. Waise bhi koi bhi missile hum zameen par lagne nahi de rahe hain. Jai Mata ki! Bharat Mata ki jai!”
(Brother, we are in India. We are Indians. Our safety is being looked after by the Indian Army and Mata Vaishno Devi. Don’t worry. No missile is going to reach the ground here. Victory to the Mother Goddess! Victory to Mother India!)

This simple yet powerful exchange captured the mood of resilience and unwavering faith shared by millions of Indians during a moment of heightened national threat. Kher’s emotional honesty and public patriotism struck a chord across social media, with many users thanking him for spotlighting the ground reality that families in border regions endure during such hostilities.

Kher’s video arrived in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, a bold military initiative launched by India on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terror camps and logistics sites in PoK and Pakistan. These strikes were in direct retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians lost their lives in a brutal assault widely believed to have been masterminded by Pakistan-based terrorist groups. Indian intelligence and defense officials confirmed that the targets destroyed in Operation Sindoor were actively used for harboring militants and facilitating cross-border terror operations.

The Indian Army, in a formal statement following the repulsion of the drone attacks, affirmed its resolve:

“The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given to the CFVs. The #IndianArmy remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. All nefarious designs will be responded to with force.”

The situation remains fluid, with Indian security forces on high alert across Northern and Western India, especially in sensitive border districts. Reports confirmed that air defense systems successfully neutralized threats, including hostile UAVs and suspected missile threats aimed at military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. One notable success involved the neutralization of a Pakistani air defense installation in Lahore, showcasing the reach and precision of India’s response capabilities.

In the midst of these developments, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a powerful statement of intent, declaring that no limitation—be it technological, geographical, or diplomatic—would stand in the way of protecting India’s sovereignty. “India has always acted responsibly,” Singh said, “but restraint must not be mistaken for weakness. If anyone tries to take advantage of our commitment to peace, they will face quality action. We are fully prepared for such responsible responses in the future as well.”

The mood in the country has been one of somber solidarity, bolstered by public displays of support for the armed forces. Social media platforms have turned into digital arenas of patriotic expression, with slogans such as “Jai Hind”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, and hashtags like #OperationSindoor, #IndianArmy, and #NationFirst trending across platforms. The image of women officers leading press briefings, particularly Colonel Sofia Quraishi of the Army’s Signal Corps and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, has also become a symbol of India’s inclusive and modern military strength.

Meanwhile, ground realities remain tense. Civilians in border villages have been moved to safe shelters and bunkers. Educational institutions have been shut in high-risk zones like Tarn Taran, Fazilka, and Patiala, and the Punjab government has issued advisories and set up emergency control rooms to monitor the situation. Air raid sirens have become a chilling part of the daily routine in some cities, and while no major civilian casualties have been reported since the drone strikes, the psychological toll is significant.

Anupam Kher’s message arrives at a time when celebrities often tread cautiously around geopolitical issues. By sharing his personal connection to the conflict zone, he not only humanized the national security narrative but also amplified a message of hope, resilience, and faith in India’s defense forces. It’s a reminder that for many Indians, patriotism isn’t a distant concept—it’s as close as family.