Jaideep Ahlawat has established himself as one of the recognised actors in Hindi cinema, earning praise for his performances across films and streaming projects. He is now set to join the cast of Ajay Devgn’s upcoming ‘Drishyam 3’, the next instalment in the franchise that follows Vijay Salgaonkar and his family. Ahlawat is among the new additions to the cast.However, his career could have taken a very different path. Before entering the entertainment industry, Ahlawat wanted to become an Army officer. According to Cine Tales, he appeared for the Services Selection Board (SSB) examinations but could not clear the interview stage.The setback eventually changed the course of his career and led him towards acting.“Being in the Army was my first dream” — two failed attemptsIn a clip shared by PTI from an event for ‘Ikkis’, Ahlawat spoke about his attempts to join the Army. He revealed that he appeared for the 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.The actor said his admiration for the armed forces has stayed with him over the years. He also spoke about how seeing soldiers in uniform continues to affect him.“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 hurtsAhlawat recalled one of the most difficult moments linked to his unfulfilled Army dream. The incident took place in Chennai in 2013, when he was shooting for ‘Vishwaroopam’.While travelling back to Mumbai, he came across young cadets at the airport who were returning after a passing-out parade at the Officers Training Academy (OTA).“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 story left him emotionalAhlawat also recalled his first introduction to war hero Arun Khetarpal during a visit to the Indian Military Academy, where 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 approached him for ‘Ikkis’, which is based on Khetarpal’s life, the connection became deeply personal for Ahlawat.“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.
Paatal Lok actor Jaideep Ahlawat wanted to join the Army before facing the camera but could not clear the interview stage; recalls feeling jealous after spotting young cadets at an airport while shooting for ‘Vishwaroopam’
Actor Jaideep Ahlawat once aspired to join the Indian Army, attempting the selection exams twice. He shared that seeing soldiers in uniform still evokes strong emotions and goosebumps. Ahlawat recalled a difficult airport encounter with young cadets returning from their passing-out parade. His introduction to war hero Arun Khetarpal deeply impacted him during a military academy visit.
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