PVLF 2026

Interview with Karan Oberoi, Author of “Battlefield Brothers”

Rooted in legacy and truth, Battlefield Brothers is Karan Oberoi's heartfelt tribute to duty, sacrifice, and the emotional wars soldiers fight.
on Aug 07, 2025

Frontlist: What inspired you to co-author Battlefield Brothers, a story so deeply rooted in themes of patriotism, duty, and familial sacrifice?

Karan: I come from a family with a proud and decorated lineage of soldiers. From my great-grandfather to my father and his three brothers, all have served in the Indian Army and fought valiantly in the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars. They played pivotal roles in battles that helped shape India’s military history. So, I didn’t need to look far for inspiration — my heroes were right at home. Their stories, filled with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering duty, deserved to be told truthfully. Writing this book felt like the least I could do as an Oberoi — not just as an author, but also as a proud son carrying forward a legacy in spirit. The themes of patriotism, duty, and sacrifice aren’t just part of the story — they’re part of my DNA. It was only fitting that my first book reflected that.

Frontlist: The book portrays the emotional and ideological divide within a family during times of war. How did you approach balancing personal conflict with national service in your storytelling?

Karan: The key was honesty and integrity. Fortunately, my father and uncles placed no filters or restrictions on their recollections—they wanted the truth to come through unvarnished. Their only request was that I tell their stories in a way that would inspire others—both fellow veterans and younger generations—to reflect, remember, and perhaps even find the courage to follow a similar path. Balancing personal turmoil with national duty is never easy, but when storytelling is rooted in truth, the emotions naturally fall into place.

Frontlist: Given your artistic background in music, performance, and screenwriting, how did your creative instincts influence the tone and structure of this military narrative?

Karan: Whenever I write - whether it’s a song, a screenplay, or a novel - I begin with one simple question: What does this story want to say? If it doesn’t move, inspire, or enrich, then it hasn’t done its job. I strive to find a thematic or emotional chord that resonates universally. In this case, I leaned on cinematic grammar to make the narrative immersive and emotionally engaging, but I was careful not to let form overpower truth. Genre doesn’t dictate honesty - if a story is rooted in authenticity, it will connect with people. That’s the creative principle I’ve always lived by.

Frontlist: The 1965 and 1971 wars are central to the plot. How much historical research went into crafting the backdrop of the novel, and what challenges did you face in maintaining authenticity while telling a fictional story?

Karan: Since these events took place long before I was born, it required extensive research to ensure accuracy — from operations and equipment to protocol and language. I had already undergone a similar deep dive while writing the web series Mukhbir: The Story of a Spy, so I knew the value of getting even the smallest detail right. Of course, I had invaluable inputs from my father, my uncles, and from Kiran-Nirvan, my co-authors. But weaving truth into fiction, especially in a military context, demands rigor and respect. The fictional elements were used sparingly — mostly to highlight the emotional arcs of the characters. Everything else had to be real, because the stakes were real.

Frontlist: Brotherhood, loyalty, and redemption are powerful motifs in the book. Would you say Battlefield Brothers is ultimately a tribute to the unsung emotional battles fought by soldiers and their families?

Karan: Absolutely. Those emotional battles—the ones that don’t make the headlines—are often the most defining. The internal wars, the sacrifices made in silence, the weight families carry while their loved ones serve—these are stories that deserve just as much recognition. If Battlefield Brothers can make even one reader pause, reflect, or feel inspired to walk a path of purpose, then we’ve done something meaningful as authors.

Frontlist: With co-authors Nirvan Singh and Kirandeep Singh bringing in military lineage and literary depth, how did the collaborative process shape the final narrative?

Karan: They were an absolute joy to work with—so much so that we’ve already completed our next book together! What made the collaboration truly special was the mutual respect: they deeply valued the cinematic and emotional perspective I brought, while I admired their expertise in military history and literature. We shared a common goal—to get the technical details right, whether it was about operations, language, or military hierarchy. That shared commitment to authenticity made the process seamless and deeply fulfilling.

Frontlist: In today’s evolving national consciousness, what do you believe Battlefield Brothers contributes to the conversation around modern patriotism and the sacrifices it entails?

Karan: At its core, Battlefield Brothers is a story about values that are timeless and inherently Indian — love for the nation, familial bonds, and the spirit of sacrifice. In moments of crisis, like the events that unfolded in Pahalgam, the entire nation rallies behind the flag. That unity, that collective sense of pride, is what the book seeks to evoke. In a world that’s constantly shifting, stories like these serve as a reminder of who we are at our core and what we must continue to uphold.

Frontlist: Looking ahead, do you see yourself continuing to explore stories centered around India’s armed forces and national identity, or was this book a unique, one-time tribute?

Karan: As someone who grew up in an Army household, I don’t think I’ll ever stop telling stories about the armed forces. There are so many real-life heroes whose stories are waiting to be told—stories that are already larger than life, without any embellishment. These are the men and women who allow us the privilege of peaceful sleep while they stand guard in sub-zero conditions. I feel a responsibility to honour them through my work. In fact, two of my upcoming films—as a writer and producer—are also centered around the Indian Army. So no, this is far from a one-time tribute. It’s the beginning of a lifelong journey.