Meet Dimple Cheema, Captain Vikram Batra's Love Interest Who Lives As His Widow Now

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra starrer film Shershaah released on OTT on August 12. The film revolves around  Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra and how he valiantly fought till his last breath. The film also gives an insight into his love story. Actor Kiara Advani plays the role of his love interest Dimple Cheema.

Here's what you should know about Dimple Cheema:

Where did they meet?

Vikram Batra and Dimple Cheema first met at the Punjab University in 1995 in Chandigarh during their college days. They both were pursuing MA in English from the university but couldn't complete it as Vikram wanted to join the Army and left the university in the first year after clearing the CDS exam.  Cupid struck them, they professed their love to each other but Dimple's family wasn't happy with their relationship.

Batra used to be away for long spells of time due to the nature of his service but that's didn't affect his relationship with Cheema. It only grew stronger and the two eventually realised that they wanted to get married.

Did they ever get married?

The couple was looking forward to getting married legally post his return from the Kargil war but he died in the line of duty in 1999. Before this, Vikram Batra had once held Dimple Cheema’s dupatta while doing parikrama at the Nada Sahib Gurudwara and called it their marriage. The soldier had even applied sindoor to her with his own blood before he left for the Kargil war. According to Cheema, it has been the most cherished moment in her life to date.

In an interview with ET Times, Vikram Batra's brother said that she wanted him to dance on their wedding day. He assured her that he would definitely do that. This conversation happened six days before the captain died.

Sidharth Malhotra as Vikram Batra in Shershaah

Did Dimple marry later?

Post his demise, she vowed to never marry anyone else and decided to live as his widow throughout her life. Vikram Batra's brother and parents have often asked her to get married after his demise but she refused.

What is Dimple Cheema doing now?

She teaches in a school now. Her love for Captain Vikram Batra can be gauged by the way she can recall details of her 4-year-long relationship with him.

In another media interview, she said that she hasn't felt detached from him for even a single day in the past 17 years. She is elated when people talk about his accomplishments but she regrets his absence because he is not physically there to listen and share the stories of his own valiant acts. She called him an inspiration to the youth of our country and is certain that they will meet again.

Here's what Kiara Advani has to say about Dimple Cheema

Kiara Advani met Dimple Cheema before she kickstarted her shooting for Shershaah. She said that she represents today's Indian woman who makes her own choices and stands by them proudly. "Her decision to remain unmarried and her faith in eternal love will always inspire me and hold a special place in my heart", she said. Advani in her interviews after the release of the film also revealed that every scene in the film depicting the relationship between Cheema and Batra was based on real incidents.

Recently, she also opened up about Dimple Cheema's reaction to the film. She said that Cheema is touched by the film's songs. It is an emotional movie for her. "She must be proud that the story is resonating with people," Kiara said in an interview.

She recently appeared in The Kapil Sharma Show to promote Shershaah. During the episode, she revealed the reason why she met Dimple Cheema before shooting for the film. She said that she wanted to connect with her emotionally and understand her sentiments.

Here's what Sidharth Malhotra has to say about Dimple Cheema

Malhotra hopes that Shershaah brings a smile to her face. He has never met her in person but hopes that she has watched the movie. He said he is sure that it is going to be a difficult watch for her and also praised her for the purity of love she has for captain Vikram Batra.

After Shershaah was released on the OTT platform, many pointed out how the film exactly captures the key moments in Dimple Cheema and Vikram Batra's relationship. The film shows the reel couple visiting Nada Sahib gurdwara in Panchkula and taking parikrama just like the real-life couple did. Malhotra's character also fills Advani's maang with sindoor. This was also something that Vikram Batra did for Dimple Cheema before leaving for Kargil.

Here's what Vikram Batra's father has to say about Cheema

In an interview with TOI, Vikram Batra's father Giridhar Lal Batra said that he was fine with their decision of getting married. According to him, Cheema was a very respectful girl who understood relationships. They couldn't marry due to Batra's demise. However, he said that she calls up about twice in a year to wish the family members on their respective birthdays. He also said that she is firm on living her life with Vikram's memories and doesn't marry.

Here's what film’s writer Sandeep Srivastava has to say about Cheema

In an interview, Srivastava revealed that Captain Batra and Cheema knew each other for four years. However, the time they spent together was just about 40 days as Batra was in army. The film writer went on to say that the film captures the essence of those 40 days.

Suggested Reads For You:

Kargil Hero Vikram Batra And Dimple Cheema’s Love Story Will Bring Tears To Your Eyes

Shershaah: How Kiara Advani Prepared To Play Dimple Cheema

Shershaah Review: How Has Social Media Reacted to Sidharth Malhotra As A War Hero