Aayush Sharma
In Netflix’s ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha,’ Indian intelligence officer Vishnu Shankar puts his life at risk to complete a dangerous mission in Pakistan. The agent, who primarily works behind the desk, is a dedicated employee and will do anything to keep his country safe. When he learns that India’s neighboring country, Pakistan, is working hard to establish a nuclear facility, he feels an urgent responsibility to stop them before it is too late. However, for that, he would have to go deep into the nation, risking his life to accomplish the mission. That’s not all, his Pakistani counterpart, Murtaza Malik, is keeping an eye on him so that he can’t sabotage Pakistan’s nuclear program. As the story progresses, the Indian officer unravels a lot of shocking secrets that not only make his work harder, but also put him in grave danger.
Nevertheless, Vishnu determines to complete his task. However, to do so, he needs a lot of resources and assets that could help him be one step ahead of Pakistan. The series is not just about two countries, but also different ideologies. The title captures the constant tension of a shadow war, where victories are often unseen, and the most significant sacrifices rarely make it to the headlines. Moreover, it sheds light on how undercover agents put their lives at risk to do the job for their countries. By diving deep into the world of spy warfare, the show not only becomes intriguing but also makes the character of Vishnu Shankar relatable as a man torn between duty to his nation and the personal sacrifices that it demands. With such a raw portrayal of undercover agents, it’s not hard to wonder if there’s a real-life connection behind the on-screen character.
Vishnu Shankar is Fictional, But Takes Inspiration From Real-Life Undercover Agents
To answer this question straight up: No, the character of Vishnu Shankar is not real. Gaurav Shukla, the show’s creator, is responsible for designing the character. Despite being a fictional character, Vishnu draws inspiration from the bravery and sacrifices of real-life agents who operate in the shadows. In ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha,’ the lead protagonist is living with the guilt of a mission’s failure and cannot sleep at night. However, when he gets another chance to prove his worth to the country, he doesn’t leave a stone unturned to complete the dangerous mission. His story mirrors the grit and resilience of those who dedicate their lives to protecting the nation, often without recognition. In India’s history, there have been several cases where Indian spies have gone into enemy territory to save their country.
One of the most renowned undercover agents is Ravindra Kaushik, who was sent to Pakistan at the age of 23 by R&AW. He changed his identity and even completed his graduation from the University of Karachi. After attaining his degree, he enrolled in the Pakistan Army and became an officer there. For years, he continued to work undercover for the Indian agency and passed on sensitive information that helped India stop various national security threats. However, in 1983, Pakistan apprehended him and imprisoned him. He passed away in a Pakistani prison in 2001. For his work, Ravindra got the nickname of The Black Tiger. The character of Vishnu Shankar draws inspiration from real-life heroes like Ravindra Kaushik and many more, who didn’t think twice before putting their lives on the line for the safety and honor of their country.
Their courage and sacrifice left a lasting impact on India’s intelligence history. The series adds authenticity and depth to Vishnu’s journey by weaving such true stories into its fabric. Apart from that, the series also takes cues from several acclaimed spy movies and TV shows that explore the high stakes of espionage. Much like these classics, it blends tense undercover missions with the personal struggles of those who live double lives. Yet, it adapts these familiar elements to the Indian context, giving the story its own cultural and political flavor. This mix of global spy-thriller influences and homegrown storytelling makes Vishnu’s journey both gripping and relatable.
Pratik Gandhi Brings Vishnu Shankar to Life With Precision
The makers needed an actor who could authentically portray Vishnu Shankar’s vulnerabilities on the screen to bring a character like him to life. Luckily, they found Pratik Gandhi, and he didn’t leave any stone unturned to make the role his own. From capturing the quiet moments of self-doubt to delivering the intensity of high-risk missions, Gandhi brings depth to the character and prompts viewers to stay invested in his story. However, telling a story based on several real-life events can be tricky, and it requires balancing authenticity with engaging drama. For Gandhi, it was fascinating to tell a story like this. In an interview with Firstpost, he said, “We have humanised the spies from all over, not just India. You will hear about R&AW, ISI, Mossad, CIA- all these agencies that work to avoid war. It is fascinating to shift the focus and look at them from a different angle, pointing out that their job is to avoid wars. And avoiding any situation that can threaten humankind.”
In the series, Vishnu enters Pakistan as someone who will be working at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. However, his real task is to find out about Pakistan’s nuclear program and whether the government is establishing a nuclear facility on its soil. As he embarks on this journey, he comes across several people who help him in his mission and put their lives at risk. To prepare for his role, the actor took a lot of inspiration from his army friends who don’t share everything with people not in the armed forces. “I watched a lot of international documentaries to understand their world. Apart from their story, it became my biggest research material. I met a lot of IAS, IPS, and Army officers. So, to a large extent, I can draw a parallel. I have a couple of friends in the army, and they don’t share everything with the civilians. They know exactly what to share and what not to share.”
This attention to detail by the actor makes the spy world in ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’ feel so authentic. It doesn’t just rely on action or high-tech gadgets; it dives into the quiet, tense moments where a single wrong move or word could sabotage an entire operation. Gandhi is a character who walks a fine line between completing the mission and fixing his personal problems. Moreover, the narrative captures Vishnu Shankar’s paranoia and fears with precision, adding to the sense of realism. By grounding the character’s narrative in believable situations, the makers ensure that the world of Vishnu Shankar is one viewers can completely step into and believe in.
Read More: Saare Jahan Se Accha: Is HGN a Real Company?
