Raazi, a gripping 2018 film directed by Meghna Gulzar, is more than just a tale of espionage; it is a tribute to the quiet bravery of an ordinary girl who played an extraordinary role in one of the most significant naval operations in Indian history. Set against the backdrop of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in 1971, Raazi is an adaptation of Harinder Sikka's novel Calling Sehmat, which recounts the real-life story of a young Kashmiri girl whose patriotism and courage made her an unsung hero of the Indo-Pakistan war.
The Story of Sehmat: At the heart of Raazi is Sehmat Khan, a 20-year-old Kashmiri girl who is thrust into the world of espionage when she marries into a high-ranking Pakistani military family at the behest of her father, a staunch Indian patriot. Unknown to her new family, Sehmat is a RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) agent, tasked with gathering intelligence that could be crucial to India's defense against Pakistan.
As she navigates her dual life, Sehmat uncovers critical information that she relays back to the RAW headquarters in India. Among the most vital pieces of intel she uncovers is the Pakistani Navy's plan to deploy its powerful submarine, PNS Ghazi, to destroy the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. This information becomes a cornerstone of Operation Sea Sight, the Indian Navy's mission to protect Vikrant and neutralize the threat posed by Ghazi.
Sehmat's Contribution to Operation Sea Sight: Without the intelligence provided by Sehmat, the Indian Navy would have been in the dark about the impending attack by PNS Ghazi. Her bravery and quick thinking allowed RAW to alert the Indian Navy in time, leading to the strategic deployment of INS Vikrant to a safer location and the eventual sinking of PNS Ghazi, which significantly impacted the outcome of the naval engagements during the 1971 war. Although the specifics of Sehmat's contributions were classified for many years, Raazi brings to light the vital role she played in safeguarding India's maritime interests during this critical period.
Raazi: A Cinematic Tribute: The film Raazi beautifully captures the tension, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas faced by Sehmat as she juggles her duties as a wife and daughter-in-law with her covert mission for India. Alia Bhatt's portrayal of Sehmat is both poignant and powerful, bringing depth to the character of a young woman who finds herself at the crossroads of loyalty to her family and her country. The film not only highlights the personal struggles of Sehmat but also underscores the often-unacknowledged role of women in warfare, particularly in the realm of espionage.
Conclusion: Raazi is not just a spy thriller; it is a story of quiet patriotism, where the stakes are high, and the cost of failure is immense. Sehmat’s contribution to the success of Operation Sea Sight and the eventual victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war underscores the vital role of intelligence in modern warfare. Her story, as depicted in Raazi, serves as a reminder of the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes, often at great personal risk, to protect their nation. Through this film, the bravery and sacrifice of one such hero have been immortalized, ensuring that her contributions are never forgotten.