Based on the life of former Indian Army Major Deependra Singh Sengar, this series spotlights a soldier’s will to battle adversities. A blend of real-life and fictional events, Jeet Ki Zid showcases Sengar’s childhood days, his reason for enrolling with the Special Forces and his relationship with his wife Jaya, who went on to be his strongest support system.
A tale of self-belief and determination
Deependra Singh Sengar’s (Amit Sadh) character is established right in the beginning when, with his team in Jammu and Kashmir, he defies orders to move in on a school where terrorists are holding people hostage. He is a man who does not live by the rules, is stubborn and wilful, and not one for sitting idle, a trait that serves him well later.
A quick flashback shows Sengar’s close relationship with his older brother. When the latter dies on a family holiday in a terrorist attack, Sengar begins to nurse a desire to end militancy in Kashmir and thereby avenge his brother’s death. This is how he ends up at the Special Forces Training Centre in 1996. Special Forces is a voluntary organisation that rigorously trains soldiers, most of whom return home, unable to deal with the pressure of their training.
The unit is led by ruthless chief, Ranjeet Chowdhary (Sushant Singh). Sengar undergoes punishing training until he finally becomes a part of the Special Forces. Unfortunately, in Kargil, he’s shot five times and arrives at the hospital in a critical condition. The doctors declare that Sengar will never be able to walk. Despite his wife Jaya’s (Amrita Puri) efforts, the wheelchair-bound Sengar slowly loses the will to live and turns into a bad-tempered husband. Her final hope is Chowdhary, who seems to be the only person who can push Sengar to live again.
The army behind the army
Major Sengar’s life story is a source of inspiration. More times than you can count, the show leaves you with goosebumps. It’s a touching tale of not just the army, but the army behind the army – the ones who stand by the soldiers, put on a brave face and support them when they need it. It is also a tribute to the trainers who coach soldiers to be fearless.
Despite a few drawn out scenes and confusing narrative style, the show is eminently satisfying. The battle scenes and the training shots are impactful and Amit Sadh and Sushant Singh turn in excellent performances. At the end of each episode, we meet the real-life Sengar and Jaya, who talk about their experiences.
WATCH OR NOT
While some may find it slow-paced, the show makes for a stirring watch. Watch it for Amit Sadh’s brilliant performance.
Creator: Vishal Mangalorkar
Starring: Amit Sadh, Mrinal Kulkarni, Amrita Puri, Sushant Singh, Ali Goni, Paritosh Sand
Streaming on: Zee5
