Sam Bahadur: When Indira Gandhi suspected Sam Manekshaw of planning a military coup

Vicky Kaushal is portraying Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in his latest release Sam Bahadur. The film is currently running in theatres and also stars Fatima Sana Sheikh and Sanya Malhotra in major roles. It recounts the valiant life of Sam Manekshaw and his invaluable contributions to the country and its armed forces, spanning from India's 1947 independence to Bangladesh's 1971 liberation. 

The film also sheds light on the tumultuous relationship between the military officer and the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. 

When Sam Manekshaw was suspected of planning a military coup

In 2002, during an interview conducted by his grandson for the documentary titled In War and Peace: The Life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Manekshaw himself disclosed the information. 

The military officer remembered Gandhi calling him at her office and telling him that she had an issue. She told the field marshal, "Everyone says you're going to take over me." In the interview, Manekshaw stated that as long as he was in complete control of his army, he had no desire to assume leadership from Gandhi.

Indira Gandhi, Sam Manekshaw’s tension shown in Sam Bahadur

The conversation between the two also made its way to Sam Manekshaw’s trailer. Fatima Sana Sheikh, who plays Indira Gandhi in Sam Bahadur, is seen speaking privately with Vicky's character. 

The words "Sam, are you planning something?" were heard from Sheikh. In response, Kaushal asks, "What do you think about it?" Sheikh responds right away, "You can't." Kaushal continues, "I can't, or I won't? Prime Minister, it's the difference in capability and intent.