The original Dhurandhar. Who was Ravindra Kaushik, RAW's Black Tiger?
India Today
India's original Dhurandhar, Ravindra Kaushik, rose from acting at college theatres, to infiltrating the Pakistan Army as a RAW Agent. He provided critical intelligence on Pakistani troop movements and the country's nuclear programme, but died a lonely death after his betrayal and subsequent capture by the ISI.
As Bollywood's Dhurandhar and its sequel captivate audiences with high-stakes espionage, undercover missions in Pakistan, and themes of patriotism amid betrayal, many draw parallels to real-life Indian intelligence figures, most notably, the Black Tiger.
The fictional Dhurandhar archetype, intense, shadowy, and relentlessly courageous, echoes the extraordinary yet tragic journey of Ravindra Kaushik, widely regarded as the original "Dhurandhar". According to former Indian Army and Intelligence Bureau officers, Kaushik, also known as the Black Tiger was a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) deep-cover agent who infiltrated Pakistan's military, delivered critical intelligence for years, and endured torture, imprisonment, and a forgotten death.
His real story, far from cinematic glamour, highlights the profound human cost of espionage and cements him as India's most legendary unsung hero.
Ravindra Kaushik was born on April 11, 1952, in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. Growing up in a border town, he became naturally fluent in Punjabi and regional dialects. As noted by journalist Praveen Swami, Kaushik's background in theatre, which he nurtured while pursuing his graduation in Commerce from SD Bihani College in Ganganagar was the catalyst for his recruitment.
In 1973, during a national-level dramatic competition in Lucknow, Kaushik performed a mono-act of an Indian soldier undergoing interrogation. His poise and linguistic command caught the attention of RAW talent spotters.
According to VK Singh, a retired Major General and former RAW officer, in his book India's External Intelligence: Secrets of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Kaushik underwent two years of rigorous training in Delhi. He was schooled in Islamic theology, Pakistani Urdu nuances, and the geography of his target destination to ensure his transformation into his second identity of Nabi Ahmed Shakir was absolute.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath conducted an on-site review of preparations at Noida International Airport ahead of its March 28 inauguration by PM Narendra Modi, directing officials to ensure seamless arrangements, robust security and world-class execution.
Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Centre for removing domestic airfare caps, warning prices may surge beyond middle-class reach.
A 36-year-old woman plotted to murder her mother-in-law with the help of her 21-year-old lover. The murder plot was exposed by CCTV installed inside the house.
PM Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review India's energy and fertiliser supply amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, focusing on uninterrupted supply and stable logistics.
A murder-for-hire plot took a shocking turn when the hired killer turned on his own employer. What began as a family feud over property ended in a cold-blooded killing — and a five-year chase.
Flash floods in Oman killed two Kerala natives, while another woman from the state remains missing after their vehicle was swept away in Al Batinah.
Further arrests deepen probe into Pakistan-linked Ghaziabad espionage network
Tragedy strikes during Navratri at Chhattisgarh's Khallari Mata temple as ropeway cable snaps causing casualties
A young doctor's death has left many shaken, with a seemingly small disagreement at home taking a tragic turn. What unfolded in the days leading up to the incident raises deeper, unsettling questions.
India Today's reporter, Himanshu Mishra, unfolds the series of events that took place in Mathura on the day of Eid, following the death of a cow vigilante, in this ground report.
In the video, Mallikarjunaiah blamed Krishnappa for his decision to end his life. The police have booked Krishnappa under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment of suicide.
Oil tanker Aqua Titan carrying Russian crude arrives in Mangaluru port; was initially heading to China