Veteran starring in new film Gurkha Warrior bringing bravery of Gurkhas to big screen
A former Gurkha has embraced his new life as a film star as upcoming historical war movie Gurkha Warrior prepares to hit the big screen.
Ritesh Chams stars as Corporal Birkha Bahadur Rai, who led his fellow Gurkhas against communist insurgents fighting against British rule in 1949.
In Gurkha Warrior, which is based on a true story, the former soldier helps bring to light the heroism of the regiment during the Malayan Emergency that many fear has been forgotten.
Ritesh said: "My character is the section commander, and he is called Corporal Birkha Rai.
"I'm playing the commander of the section, and I'm leading my section in the film.
"So it's going to be us working as a team, and we obviously are deployed on a rescue mission."
The Royal Gurkha Rifles is one of the most feared regiments in the world and is unique as it is comprised of Nepali soldiers and officers, and British officers.
Ritesh served with the Royal Gurkha Rifles before being hit by gunfire while boarding a Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan in 2010.
Recounting the incident, he said: "We came under heavy attack, you know from 360 degrees.
"I got hit and I was hurt in the leg from behind and then it went through from my groin area.
"I felt warm near my groin area because of the hot blood which came out."
He was rescued by a comrade who carried him onto the helicopter where he was taken for urgent treatment at Camp Bastion. He was discharged from the military due to his injuries in 2015.
Since leaving the Army he has starred in eight films and performs most of his own stunts.
Gurkha Warrior is set to be released on 10 November.
Join Our Newsletter
