Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has opened up about the immense physical challenges he faced while shooting for his upcoming war drama, Battle of Galwan. In a recent interview, the actor described the project as the most physically demanding of his career so far. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film is inspired by the real-life 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, a significant and emotional chapter in India’s recent military history.
Sharing insights into the physically grueling schedule, Salman revealed that much of the shoot took place in Ladakh’s extreme high-altitude terrain, where the cast and crew braved harsh weather conditions. Khan highlighted that one of the toughest portions of the shoot involved spending several days in freezing cold water, which tested not only his endurance but also his mental strength. “Shooting at high altitudes and in ice-cold water for hours was unlike anything I’ve done before. It required a different level of preparation and mindset,” he said.
To meet the intense physical demands of portraying Colonel B. Santosh Babu, the Indian officer who led from the front during the Galwan conflict, Salman had to push himself through a strict fitness regime. He adopted a low-carb, high-protein diet, eliminated alcohol and junk food from his routine, and incorporated heavy strength training alongside cardio sessions. Reports also mentioned that Salman used a high-altitude, low-oxygen chamber at his home gym to simulate the extreme conditions of Ladakh and improve his stamina ahead of filming.
Salman also spoke about how the physicality required for Battle of Galwan was on a different level compared to his previous action films like Sikandar. While earlier roles involved staged action sequences, this film demanded realistic, physically taxing performances rooted in military authenticity. He acknowledged that as he grows older, his approach towards fitness and preparation has evolved, becoming more mindful and disciplined.
Scheduled for a January 2026 release, Battle of Galwan marks a departure from Salman Khan’s usual Eid releases. The film is being positioned as a patriotic and emotionally charged war drama, offering audiences a realistic portrayal of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. Salman also mentioned that he is equally excited about returning to the big screen with another anticipated project, the sequel to Bajrangi Bhaijaan, but emphasized that Battle of Galwan holds a unique place for him due to the physical and emotional commitment it demanded.
With this film, Salman Khan seems set to deliver a performance that blends action with heartfelt patriotism, offering audiences a fresh perspective on his capabilities as an actor willing to push his limits for the sake of authentic storytelling.
