LOC Kargil clocks 20 years: Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Esha Deol share memories

LOC: Kargil, which released in 2003, has clocked 20 years. Helmed by  J. P. Dutta, the film starrer an ensemble cast of Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, Manoj Bajpayee, Nagarjuna and many more. The historical war drama was based on the Kargil War fought between India and Pakistan. Now, on this special occasion, Ajay Devgn, Abhishek and Esha Deol went down memory lane and dug out major throwback photos from LOC: Kargil's archives.

Ajay Devgn is grateful for the journey

In the film, Devgn played to role of Lt. Manoj Kumar Pandey belonging to 1/11 Gorkha Rifles. Taking to Instagram, he shared several photos from the film, including a clapboard from the muhurat shot. It seems during the filming, the actor sustained some injuries and in the caption he thanked "for the scares" as it reminded him of the battles fought.

His heartfelt note read, "#20YearsOFLOCKargil, thank you for the scars that serve as a reminder of the battles fought... grateful for the journey, the memories, and the friends I made along the way."

LOC Kargil showcased the Indian Army's successful Operation Vijay which was launched in May 1999 in the wake of the Pakistani intrusion and occupation of the Kargil sector to draw away the Pakistani intruders from the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC).

Abhishek Bachchan is grateful to JP Dutta for giving him an opportunity in his film

Abhishek, who played the role of Captain Vikram Batra, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, thanked the director for allowing him to showcase his talent. The actor recalled the "great memories" and said that it was an honour to be able to tell the stories of true heroes.

Abhishek also shared major throwback photos from the sets of LOC: Kargil and wrote, "Time flies! Cannot believe it’s been 20 yrs since the release of L.O.C. Such great memories making the film with so many friends. But an even greater honour to be able to tell the stories of our true heroes in the Indian armed forces. Thank you JP sahab for choosing me and giving me the opportunity to be a part in the film."

Esha Deol calls LOC: Kargil the most memorable experience as an actor

Esha played to role of Abhishek Bachchan's newlywed wife Dimple Cheema. Just like her co-stars she shared some major throwback photos from the sets of the film and penned a long note thanking the director for trusting her. She also congratulated Abhishek, as it was their first film together. The actress had a brief screenspace in which she can be seen bidding Abhishek adieu as he heads to protect the country.

An excerpt from Esha's caption read, "JP Dutta ji thank you for trusting me with the most emotional role of Dimple .. this was one of my most memorable experiences as an actor. Congratulations to the entire star cast & team .. Salute Jai hind .. yeh dil mange more."

More about LOC: Kargil

Upon release, the film received a mixed response from the critics and commercially flopped at the box office. However, over the years, the film was loved by the audience owing to its historical plot. The run time of the film was 255 minutes, making it one of the longest Indian films ever made.