Kargil Vijay Diwas is an emotional day for many Indians. It marks the victory and sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the 1999 Kargil War. For actress Celina Jaitley, this day holds deep personal meaning. Most men in her family served in the military, and many were involved in the war. On this special day, she remembered and paid tribute to her late father, Colonel Vikram Kumar Jaitley, and her grandfather, Colonel E. Francis, both of whom served the country with great pride.

Personal Memories from a Difficult Time

Celina was still a teenager during the Kargil War. She recalls how tough it was for her and her younger brother, especially when their family members were stationed in the conflict zone. Speaking to Hindustan Times, she said, “A 1971 war veteran and an infantryman from the Kumaon Regiment, during the Kargil War, although not deployed at the front, I believe he was involved from base control, playing a role in coordination, communication, and logistics. I was a teenager then and as a daughter, I carry his legacy in pieces, but each one carries immense weight. I saw the weight he carried each day, and throughout his life as an infantryman."

She also remembered the pain that surrounded every army family during those days.

“What I remember most vividly are the blank stares of parents at their sons’ funerals, the gut-wrenching sobs of young wives/children who had just lost their husbands. It wasn’t just news, it was pain that hung thick in the air, something we witnessed up close with immense heartache. Every home in the Army circle felt it. Every radio transmission, every phone call from the front, we lived and breathed it with a lump in our throats,” she recalled.

The War's Lasting Impact

Even after 26 years, the memories remain fresh for Celina and her family. Every call during the war felt like a matter of life and death. Updates from the frontlines were more than news—they were personal. The family felt the tension every moment, just like the soldiers on the battlefield.

Now, when the country celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas, Celina feels proud of her roots. She said she honours her father and grandfather not just as soldiers, but as pillars of strength who shaped her family’s history.

A Brother Who Followed the Same Path

Celina also shared how the war left a lasting impression on her brother, who was still in school back then. That difficult time inspired him to join the Indian Army.

“He was still in school during Kargil, but the war left a deep impact on him. It shaped his life’s path, and he went on to join the Indian Army and serve as a Para SF officer. That sense of duty, born of pain and pride, ran deep in our family,” she said.

A Proud Military Legacy

Celina’s ties to the Indian Army go back generations. Her grandfather, Colonel E. Francis, served in the Rajputana Rifles and fought in the 1962 war against China. Despite being injured, he showed great bravery. Her great-grandfather was also a soldier, having served in the Army Education Corps during World War I.

For the Jaitly family, the Kargil War was more than a national fight—it was deeply personal. Their long-standing military service reflects a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and honour.

Background of the Kargil War

The Kargil War broke out in 1999 between India and Pakistan. It took place in the high-altitude region of Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir. The war lasted nearly 60 days and ended with India regaining its positions. Many Indian soldiers died during the intense battles, but their sacrifice led to a proud victory.