Kabir Bedi Remembers His Grandpa Who Was Killed In World War I

MUMBAI – On Remembrance Sunday, veteran actor Kabir Bedi paid tribute to his maternal grandfather, who was killed in France during World War I, and to the millions of Indian soldiers who served in both World Wars as part of the British Indian Army.

Sharing a post on November 9, Bedi honored their sacrifices and revealed his role in Promises, an upcoming Canadian film by Steve Purewal that pays homage to Indian soldiers who fought in the wars. The 79-year-old actor shared a photograph of himself as Major Hari Singh, writing, “On this Remembrance Sunday, I salute the valor of the four million Indian soldiers who fought in World War I and II as part of the British Indian Army. Above, a photograph of me as Major Hari Singh in Steve Purewal’s ‘Promises,’ a Canadian film dedicated to their memory, to be released soon. Remembering all the fallen and injured – Lest we forget.”

Bedi also remembered his maternal grandfather, Frank Houlston, who died in France when Bedi’s mother, Freda Bedi, was just seven years old. “His death had a profound impact on her,” he wrote, explaining that it led her on a lifelong spiritual journey that culminated in her becoming one of the world’s highest-ranked Buddhist nuns.

‘Promises’ features Bedi as Havildar Hari Singh, a Sikh soldier who served alongside Canadian forces during World War II. The film celebrates the legacy and sacrifices of Sikh and Indian soldiers who fought for freedom and justice. It premiered in April 2025 during Sikh Heritage Month celebrations in Surrey, British Columbia, and is expected to release widely soon.