Salman Khan steps into Colonel Babu’s shoes with a buzz cut and bulked-up frame

Salman Khan was recently seen in Mumbai sporting a cropped buzz cut and a thick moustache, clearly part of his prep for Battle of Galwan. The actor, known for his commercial hits, is stepping into a more grounded role this time, portraying Colonel B Santosh Babu, who led the 16 Bihar Regiment during the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020.

On Wednesday night, Salman exited a venue in his SUV, wearing a black T-shirt and sitting behind the wheel. What stood out was his visibly transformed look—short hair, bulked-up frame, and a serious expression that hinted at the gravity of the role he’s about to play. His appearance immediately sparked buzz across social media, especially among those following his intense fitness updates in recent weeks.

The motion poster of Battle of Galwan was also released recently. It features Salman with blood stains on his face, wearing a stern expression and the same moustache that was visible during his Mumbai appearance. The poster hints at a raw and emotional take on a real-life story of military sacrifice, set in the harsh terrain over 15,000 feet above sea level.

Colonel B Santosh Babu was one of the commanding officers who lost his life in the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The Galwan incident was notable not just for its fatalities—20 Indian soldiers were killed—but also because it involved hand-to-hand combat without firearms, making it one of the most brutal and symbolic military confrontations in recent history.

Salman’s decision to play a real-life military figure, especially one with national significance, marks a shift from his usual cinematic space. While there’s obvious excitement from his fanbase, there’s also a growing curiosity around how he will approach this layered, emotionally intense role.

His physical transformation is already in public view, but what remains to be seen is how the film will handle such a politically and emotionally charged event. With production underway, Battle of Galwan is shaping up to be one of his most watched-out-for releases.