'Our daughter wanted the world to know about Mukund's greatness'; Indhu's father feels immensely proud as 'Amaran' continues its dream run

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: "My son-in-law Major Mukund Varadarajan was a brave soldier. I am extremely happy to see Mukund on the silver screen..." said Dr George Varghese, the owner of the private hospital in Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram, as he spoke about his son-in-law. His words were full of affection for his son-in-law and respect for the hard-working soldier.

In the hospital, a piece of paper beneath Mukund's photo with the word 'Amaran' written on it stood as a witness to everything. Dr George Varghese is the father of Indhu Rebecca Varghese, the wife of Major Mukund. He feels immensely proud as the Tamil film 'Amaran', based on the lives of Major Mukund and Indhu, continues its successful run in theatres.

"During my training at the Armed Forces Medical College, I saw a lot of soldiers who got injured during the war. Initially, this fear made me oppose the marriage. But their love... its intensity... changed my decision," George told Kerala Kaumudi.

Amaran, directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy, revolves around the love story of Indhu and Mukund, and Mukund's heroic death during a terrorist encounter in Jammu and Kashmir. Actors Sai Pallavi and Sivakarthikeyan, who played the roles of Indhu and Mukund respectively, had contacted Dr George and his family ahead of the shooting of the film. Mukund, who was born in Chennai as the son of Varadarajan and Geetha, fell in love with Indhu, a Malayali, while studying at Madras Christian College. In 2006, Mukund joined the force. After years of waiting, Mukund and Indhu got married in 2009 with the consent of both families.

From his student days to his rise to the rank of Major, Indhu stood by Mukund like a shadow. Although Mukund attained martyrdom in 2014, Indhu firmly believes that he is still alive.

"Our daughter cooperated with the shooting as she wanted the world to know about Mukund's greatness. The world should know about Mukund, not about us," George said.

George and his wife Akkama reside in AKG Nagar. Indhu is an English teacher in Sydney. Daughter Arsheya is in 7th standard. Indhu's mother had earlier worked as a teacher in Nigeria. George and wife came to Thiruvananthapuram 10 years ago.

Want to meet Shyamaprasad
George saw the film with his family members in Maramon. He expressed his wish to meet Shyamaprasad, who portrayed his role in the film. He mentioned that they had spoken over the phone. Shyamaprasad also told Kerala Kaumudi that he deeply respects George as a father and is looking forward to meeting him.

Major Mukund, an inspiration
In 2012, Mukund went to Kashmir as part of a counter-insurgency operation of the 44th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles. In a region that was a stronghold of terrorists, he drew strength from his confidence, patriotism, and the mental support provided by Indhu. After his martyrdom, the nation honoured Major Mukund with the Ashoka Chakra.