Ravindra Kaushik’s life was one of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. This Indian intelligence agent dedicated his life to his country, making significant contributions despite facing immense challenges and hardship.

Wiki/Biography

Born on April 11, 1952, in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, Ravindra Kaushik spent his childhood witnessing the impact of the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. He attended a government school followed by SD Bihani College in Sri Ganganagar, earning a B.Com degree. His college years saw him developing a passion for acting, showcasing his talent in various theatrical productions.

Family, Caste & Wife

Kaushik hailed from a Brahmin family. His father, JM Kaushik, a former Indian Air Force serviceman, worked in a mill after retirement. His mother, Amladevi, passed away in 2006. His younger brother, Rajeshwarnath Kaushik, resides in Jaipur. While serving in Pakistan, he met and married Amanat, a Muslim woman and daughter of a Pakistani army personnel. They had a daughter together.

Career

Kaushik’s acting talents led to a chance encounter with a RAW officer in Lucknow. This meeting propelled him into a career as an undercover agent. After rigorous training, including Urdu language and Pakistani customs, he was sent to Pakistan in 1975. To maintain his cover, he converted to Islam and adopted the alias Nabi Ahmed Shakir. He went on to earn an LLB from the University of Karachi, and subsequently joined the Pakistan Army, eventually rising to the rank of Major. His service allowed him to provide invaluable intelligence to India.

One notable operation in 1979 garnered significant praise and earned him the title “Black Tiger” from then-Home Minister S.B. Chavan.

Jail Term & Death

His cover was compromised in the 1980s, leading to his capture by the Pakistani army. Sentenced to death in 1985, this was later commuted to life imprisonment. He spent his final years in various Pakistani prisons, succumbing to tuberculosis and heart disease on November 21, 2001. He was buried behind the Central Jail in Multan.

Controversy

The portrayal of Ravindra Kaushik’s life in Bollywood films like “Ek Tha Tiger” (2012) and “Romeo Akbar Walter” (2019) sparked controversy, with his nephew, Vikram Vashisth, demanding proper credit for his uncle’s story.

Facts

Several key facts about Ravindra Kaushik’s life are noteworthy:

• His birthplace, Sri Ganganagar, is near the India-Pakistan border.
• He was a dedicated patriot from a young age.
• He was a talented theater artist.
• He joined RAW at 23.
• He made several visits back to India while in Pakistan.
• He expressed dissatisfaction with the Indian government’s lack of effort in securing his release.
• His family received minimal compensation after his death.

Ravindra Kaushik’s Life Timeline

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