“Their Sacrifice Teaches Us to Be Better Citizens”…

Actor Isha Koppikar attended a deeply moving memorial event at the Gateway of India in Mumbai last night, honoring the brave martyrs of the 26/11 terror attacks on the tragedy’s 17th anniversary. Standing before the iconic monument, Isha delivered an emotional and powerful tribute, urging people never to forget the courage and sacrifice of India’s protectors.

Recalling the night that shook Mumbai, Isha said, “I don’t know if I will ever be able to forget this day, this is not just a memory, it’s history, this is the strength of our heroes, it’s their wounds, and all I would like to tell everyone is that on that fateful night when streets of Mumbai were filled be fear and screams, and we all were worried, our ATS officers, NSG officers, Commando, local law enforcement and more faced the terrorists without fear, for us, for India, for our safety, that is one debt we will never be able to pay back, we are indebted.”

Continuing her heartfelt message, she added, “Their sacrifice is a reminder for all of us to be better citizen, a better human being, a better India. Their sacrifice teaches us that being brave isn’t about not being scared, it means despite being scared facing your enemies and protect your country and fellow citizens. They are not just soldiers or officers, they are our guarding angels, our guarding gods. I don’t think we should take our freedom and safety for granted.”

The evening paid tribute to the countless heroes—police officers, NSG commandos, and civilians—who lost their lives during the attacks. Names like Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte, Vijay Salaskar, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, and ASI Tukaram Omble echoed through the gathering as the nation remembered their unparalleled bravery.

On the professional front, Isha Koppikar is set for a powerful return to Tamil cinema after nearly two decades. She will be seen playing an assassin in Sivakarthikeyan’s upcoming sci-fi film Ayalaan (2024), marking her much-awaited comeback.