Have you seen the film ‘Major’ released in the year 2022? The film is based on the true story of Indian Army officer Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was on deputation in the 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guard, but was martyred in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He was awarded the Ashok Chakra on 26 January 2009. The film Major is basically based on the life of Sandeep Unnikrishnan. This film was well liked by the audience. And Major Sandeep’s courage was highly appreciated and loved.
We are going to learn about life with the details about Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s wife, children, age, death, and more in the blog below.
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan (Army Officer): Biography
Sandeep Unnikrishnan was an Indian Army officer, who served as the 51 Special Action Groups of the National Action Group in the National Defence Security Guard. he was born on 15 march 1977 in Kozhikode, Kerala. He belongs to a Nair family based in Banglore, and he had origionally lived in Cheruvannur in Kozhikode District.
| Full Name | Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan |
| Birthday | 15 march 1977 |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Hometown | Kozhikode, Kerala |
| Father’s name | K.Unnikrishnan |
| Mother’s name | Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan |
| Wife Name | Neha Unnikrishnan |
| Death Date | 27th November 2008 |
| Time of Service | 1999-2008 |
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Age And Physical Appearance
| Physique Type | Details |
| Age | 48 Years (As of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches |
| Skin Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
As we discussed, the birth date of Major Sandeep was only 31 years old when he died in the year 2008. For a soldier, a tall height matters the most them which was also the focus of the attention of people, just like Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s height. He was 5 feet 8 inches tall and was easily recognised in the crowd. His height also helped him to be in the army for a longer time. His shoulder was very broad due to his tough training in the NSG. He also learns different fighting skills, which are required for an NSG soldier.
Education
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan went to the Frank Anthony Public School, which was located in his hometown, Bangalore. Right after that, he went to the National Defence Academy to pursue his dream of becoming a soldier in 1995. Ever since his childhood, he has always wanted to become someone who can fight for the nation. In June 1999, he joined the IMA and was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant in the Bihar Regiment.
Early Life
As we discussed in the education sector he always dreams about becoming a soldier. In these dreams, his family supports him the most without thinking about the future complications related to it. His father’s name is K.Unnikrishnan, and his mother’s name is Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan. He was the only son of his father, who was also a retired officer from the Indian Space Organisation, which was located in Bangalore.
Marriage Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan
Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s wife’s name is Neha, and they both are childhood lovers. Sandeep and Neha met during their school time as they both are studying in the same school together. The couple got married to each other in the year 2008 in the presence of their families and friends. But, very unfortunately the couple got separated because of the death of Major Sandeep. The very sad thing here was that they didn’t even get the chance to live together as a married couple for a longer period of time. But she was a strong lady and tried to recover from the loss of his husband.
Neha Unnikrishnan: Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s Wife
Just like Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Neha Unnikrishnan also belongs to a Malayali Hindu family. She also went to the same school as him and attended the same college. She has a keen interest in music, and she also loves listening to pop songs. She also explored herself as a musician by creating her songs. Also, Neha is a Bharatanatyam dancer too and also received some awards. Since her childhood, she has been practicing this dance form. Due to this she also has a soft corner for the culture and heritage of our country.
Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Movie: Major
A movie named “Major’’ which was released in early 2022, was based on the life of Sandeep Unnikrishnan. This movie was also the debut of Adivi Sesh and Sunny Chandra as actors. He was also a director and Screenwriter. The character of Neha Sandeep’s real-world wife was portrayed by Saiee Manjrekar, who was a well-known actress in the Hindi industry. The movie is produced by Mahesh Babu, who is also an actor, and directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka.
Story of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s Death
Sandeep Unnikrishnan served his last ever mission in Mumbai as a Major in the year 2008. In that year, in November, several buildings in Mumbai were attacked by terrorists, which also included one of the famous hotels Taj Palace. At that time, he was a lead commander who was leading this mission, which they named ‘Mission Black Tornado’. He was responsible for saving 10 hostages who were in that hotel. But very unfortunately, the terrorist saw them while following the terrorist. Right after this, the terrorists started attacking them, and 4 of the soldiers got injured from their gunfire. Then Major went after these terrorists and caught them in the Ballroom of the hotel. That was the time when he was fighting alone with those terrorists, and one of the attacks ultimately took his death.
Awards won by Sandeep Unnikrishnan
For his sacrifice to save 14 hostages during the Mumbai 26/11 terror attack on the Taj Palace Hotel, he was awarded by Ashok Chakra by the President of the country. However, when the award was announced, he had already died. So, instead of him, there is someone from the family who received this award. And, for him, the award was received. So, there is are chance that his wife Neha Unnikrishnan may receive this award for him.
Some Interesting Facts About Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan
- He was remembered as one of the bravest soldiers in the Indian Military who sacrificed himself for Our Nation.
- A movie named “Major’ was based on his life to provide a tribute to his contribution to the military.
- Over a thousand people gathered to provide him with a salute at his funeral.
- He was also part of the Kargil War right after he joined the military in the year 1999.
- In 2003 he was promoted to the role of ‘Captain’ and in the year 2005 he was appointed to the role of ‘Major’.
- When he was part of the army he also won the Ghatak Course which was one of the toughest courses in the military.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 Is Major based on a true story?
Ans. Yes, it is based on the real-life story of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan.
Q.3 What were the last words of Major Unnikrishnan?
Ans. His last words are “Do not come up, I will handle them.”
Q.3 How many hostages did Sandeep Unnikrishnan save?
Ans. In these operations, he was able to save 14 hostages in the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai.
Q.4 What was the sacrifice of Major Unnikrishnan?
Ans. He laid down his life to protect hostages during 26/11.
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