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Calling Sehmat

Harinder Sikka

3.89 · Rating details · 3,703 ratings · 371 reviews

Calling Sehmat is a thrilling saga of a spy who, in the service of our nation, gave all of herself and that of her family so that we may live in peace. It is a story of a Kashmiri woman who married a Pakistani Army Officer so as to provide the Indian intelligence with invaluable information during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Sehmat devised unique ways in her quest to get clo ...more

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Unknown Binding, 244 pages

Published April 4th 2008 by Konark Publishers

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Oct 03, 2018 Bharath rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is one of those very few instances where I saw the movie, based on the book, before reading the book. The movie “Raazi” is a very good adaptation of the book.

The story is excellent – and being based on a real story of a young lady who takes huge risks for her country, it is also inspiring. That said – the book slips up in its narrative in many instances – the pace is not tight enough, the characters other than Sehmat do not develop well and some critical portions needed further emphasis.

Th ...more

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Jun 21, 2018 Renuka rated it it was ok

Shelves: adapted-to-movie, memoir, one-sitting, read-in-2018

Being a defence kid, I grew up listening to all those stories of patriots who fought for our country. I was really looking forward to reading Calling Sehmat before watching the movie (Raaji is based upon this novel), but I feel cheated after reading this one. It felt like I was reading a summary of a beautiful novel.

Calling Sehmat is about a girl who marries a Pakistani Captain to spy for our country. It's a great plot and has so much potential to turn into a great novel. But unfortunately, it w ...more

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Jun 02, 2018 Vikas Singh rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: owned-book

A rare book that is based on true spy who played an active role during the period leading to the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. A panic driven bureaucracy, under the guise of national security, has ensured that the true stories of these heroes never comes out in the light. The fact that the author was a serving officer in Navy helped bring out this story. A true story it brings alive the trials, tribulations, bravery of the girl who even got married to son of second in command of dreaded ISI to serve h ...more

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Aug 29, 2018 Tani marked it as the-nope-wagon

Read the preview. Lost interest.

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Nov 20, 2017 Gaurav Prabhu rated it really liked it

A friend gave me this for a read. For her, it is a priced possession, not given to anyone before. She commented, that I would love this. I felt privileged.

The book is a fine piece of writing I have read since a while. The story touches one's heart. A perfect infusion of sentiments in a gripping plot. Bet you haven't read a similar one prior. The details are fascinating and they make the reader feel every passage in the book as if he is into the world. This is effortlessly achieved by the author ...more

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May 27, 2018 Apratim Mukherjee rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This book is a fictionalized true story.Though the book is not even close to be considered as a classic spy thriller,the writing is decent.Other than the chapters describing navy battles,the language is simple and story is fast paced.The author has researched his subject thoroughly which is evident from the minutest details he brings into life.The description of navy battles and military jargon are the only weak points.Its a tribute to an unsung war hero.Just the movie Raazi,I award four stars t ...more

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Aug 26, 2018 Shatarupa Dhar rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction-historical, country-india

Synopsis:
In the city of Malerkotla, in the north Indian state of Punjab, a mother places a call to her grandson to inform him that his mother has passed away. Samar Khan, promoted to the rank of Captain (in the Indian Army), was excited to present himself in front of his mother in his new uniform. Alas, that moment never came. Seeking permission from his Commanding Officer for emergency leave, he then proceeds from Delhi (where he was on short duty) to Malerkotla. While breaking the news abo ...more

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Aug 21, 2018 Ankit Saxena rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018, based-on-true-events, biography, cultural, cultures, india, indian-literature, indian-writings, literature, mine

This is the Book that can discover the hidden patriotism inside You..

All the time when I was holding this book, was the best Time I had in last few days. I couldn't stop my urge of reading it from the time I received the book, afresh & instantly.

There is one thing I liked the most about this book is, its not just the Book, its the world that I entered into. Its pages will let you fly without any effort. That's the magic it creates. Its not just about Sehmat(not the real name though f This is the Book that can discover the hidden patriotism inside You..

All the time when I was holding this book, was the best Time I had in last few days. I couldn't stop my urge of reading it from the time I received the book, afresh & instantly.

There is one thing I liked the most about this book is, its not just the Book, its the world that I entered into. Its pages will let you fly without any effort. That's the magic it creates. Its not just about Sehmat(not the real name though for the purpose of Protagonist's safety), an innocent girl from Kashmir but about the most precious time of her life that she sacrificed in the name of her country, that is also in the time of most cherished period of any girl or boy (being collegiate). This is the story that hooked you till last. However, bit slow in the End.
Its not about winning over the rival country, its about the Patriotism that is required in the form of action from every other citizen of any country, specially in the time of strategic wars and the fear of entering of any other country's unnecessary interference to create big diplomatic issue and to take advantage of the situation.

The situation between India and its officially orphaned child Pakistan were very bad and were on the verge of creating the condition of War; which however, did happen later. At that time, there was a lady (by action and a girl by age) who took this huge responsibility of delivering results in favor of her country by espionage(Clandestine Human Intelligence), an ages old job done for country involving deception and subversion. Call it a military intelligence that the whole mater remain clandestine throughout till its final positive results and thereafter. However, the Pakistan army became well aware of the situation at last but their counterintelligence was a complete failure and there not much left for them to react on. All they can do is to fall in the trap of Indian Intelligentsia and thus we came as victorious. It all goes to the information that was collected over the period of time by Sehmat and bravely passed on to her country's Intelligence on the verge of her not-so-old-life. The girl who saw not so much in her life has become the part of one of the most Glorious Victories of India.

Harinder Sikka cast the words very well and quite precisely understandable to every reader. However, he used few words repetitively which does not seems as the good sign of fine literature. But in end, Hail to story, who cares else, when you have truth in your hands. One thing though I feel lack of, is the mentioning the events' dates, which is highly required when you're writing a biographical non-fiction.

Well, Considering all the Pros and Cons; and the efforts put to give somebody's life; words; which in itself a big thing when there is no previous source available except the protagonist's own real life son and herself (adding more facts from official sources later), prior to the meeting of author and them in an unintentional Incident during their daily chores (in the Indian Army as colleagues) having discussion on war strategies & work of Indian Intelligence. I call it Hilarious.

For me it deserves: 4.9/5.0 ...more

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May 22, 2018 Ayushi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018, adventure, ebook, favourite-book, india, indian-author, inspiring-books, real, war-books, spy-thriller

I read this book in one sitting, and I am not disappointed! What a wonderful book and what an absolute page-turner! You seldom come across such books which keep you hooked until the last page! I can't believe that the story based on a woman who ACTUALLY risked it all to serve her country, her 'watan'. This boks fills me with pride, it brought out the patriot in me and I am so glad I read the book before I saw the movie based on this book. Kudos to Harinder Sikka for bringing out the tale of this ...more

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Aug 26, 2018 Rishav Agarwal rated it did not like it

Harinder Sikka has watched a lot of Bollywood movies, he loves the over the top patriotism, and Tiranga is probably his favourite movie. He came to know of Shemat's story and thought it to be the prefect plot for a classic tricolour flick, he writes with such Bollywood panache that the 273 page novel even has a dance number. Please understand that I do not wish to undermine the sacrifice and courage of Sehmat Khan but this novel is less of her account than a script for Karan Johar film waiting t ...more

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Jul 27, 2018 Shivani Sharma rated it liked it

Shelves: india, spy-novels-terrorism

Good story, mediocre writing. Several themes are explored in this book, but the transition between them is too abrupt ("unsmooth"?) for my liking. Also, there are many parts which could've been written with more depth, giving more dimension to the story as well as the characters. The story was pretty good, nevertheless (albeit being written in a very cut-short manner). ...more

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May 16, 2018 Rhea.larissa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Emulations

The heavier tends to settle down and influence from within with no hope of appreciation or rewards.clinging to a cause sacrificing the prime of the life is laudable

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Dec 19, 2020 Rashi Malik rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: indian

5 SHINING 🌟

Could the writing have been better? Yes.
Does it really matter? No

"Respect the uniform, and your soul will respect you"

The book is about the 1971 Indo-Pak war. It's about the Indian Navy's win. It is about how Sehmat Khan's intelligence gathering in Pakistan proved invaluable to India. It is about how she sacrificed everything, suffered insufferably yet did what needed to be done. Most important of all it is about respecting the Watan above everything.

The minor flaws of the book pale i ...more

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Oct 23, 2020 Manasa Manjunath rated it did not like it

Shelves: books-i-own, books-to-sell

Having watched the movie based on the book I was really looking forward to reading it but I was very disappointed. Sehmat Khan’s story is the stuff of legends - A Kashmiri girl who opts to become a spy for the Indian intelligence by marrying into a Pakistani army family. But the story has been manhandled by the author.

The book starts off on a very anti-Hindu note. Painting both Kashmiri Pandits & Hindu Brahmins in a bad light. Half the book is spent on a detailed backstory of how Sehmat’s paren ...more

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May 05, 2019 Santhi rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2019reads

I was planning to be generous with 3 stars but that wouldn't do justice to the other better written books with same rating.
Plot and characters deserved better narration.

I definitely didn't care for the last few chapters on the naval attacks. Though I am definitely watching the movie again! ...more

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Jul 28, 2020 Tova rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: wild, violent, south-asian, religion, read-2020, owned, own-voices, my-emotions, murder, mc-female

Some of you have never met Vicky Kaushal as Iqbal Syed and it shows. RTC.

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Feb 06, 2022 Prakash Hegade rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A good read. Inspiring. Definitely a to-be-read book.

Writing could have been better. Watched the movie (Raazi), again, halfway through the book.

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May 20, 2018 Nidhi Srivastava marked it as gave-up · review of another edition

God yes i want to read this

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Jun 11, 2018 Suvarghya rated it liked it

Extraordinary story of an Indian spy, writing style is not up to the mark. Still would say, all Indians should read this true account of a heroic Indian. Alia Bhatt starrer Raazi movie is based on this book.

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Jul 20, 2018 Stuti Prasad rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The most beautiful way to share this legend.

The most beautiful book i have read after years. So emotional with intense emotions. It had love, sacrifice, lovr for nation, determination towards your nation and selfless love for our nation. Sehmat Khan was truely the most beautiful women in this whole world. Thank you Harinder Sikka for introducing her to us .

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Jul 22, 2018 Sucheta rated it it was amazing

Shelves: movieseries

I loved the storyline and plot twists. Really a good book. Go for it, even if you've seen Raazi. ...more

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Oct 17, 2018 Rohit Sharma rated it really liked it

Majority of times when we watch a movie based on a book (especially these days) they usually fall in between underwhelming to lousy :). Now that I have read the book and loved it as it gave me an in-depth idea on the character of Sehmat Khan as well as how and why she did what she did, I can very well say that the movie is Fantastically made and almost at par with the book if not better. I wanted to read the book before the movie came but the time was so short between the trailer, release and bo Majority of times when we watch a movie based on a book (especially these days) they usually fall in between underwhelming to lousy :). Now that I have read the book and loved it as it gave me an in-depth idea on the character of Sehmat Khan as well as how and why she did what she did, I can very well say that the movie is Fantastically made and almost at par with the book if not better. I wanted to read the book before the movie came but the time was so short between the trailer, release and book becoming famous in no time, that I just couldn’t squeeze it in my busy schedule (of reading books of-course). Hence I finally managed to finish it today and I must tell you that I started the book yesterday only. Either the book is too short, or the pace is so nice that it took me only two sittings to finish it and I will very highly recommend it to everyone, especially to those who have seen and loved the movie. It is a totally unbelievable yet true story of Sehmat Khan a Kashmiri girl who goes to impossible heights in fulfilling her father’s last wishes to save the country from an imminent enemy attack.

I don’t think I need to talk much about the plot as the Movie has already made it pretty famous. What I loved about both, the movie and the book is the way they have shown so beautifully as how it was all done that too in the late 60’s to early 70’s. Bravo!! The ease with which Sehmat a girl in 20’s takes up the challenge and on top of that comes out a winner in the end is simply superb. The movie was an edge of the seat thriller yet it leaves so many questions unanswered which book responds in greater details, of-course it is again a fictionalized account of how it all must have happened. It also actually made me wonder if the Syeed’s (Sehmat’s In-laws) were actually so simple, yet were in those high positions in Pakistani Army and ISI, that they were fooled by a simple almost untrained girl, was a little unbelievable. But I will not counter or criticize it as it makes up for a superbly thrilling story in the end. We will never know the reality behind it as the real life Sehmat Khan, who never got her due has already passed away. The way it is done in the book, I really couldn’t believe that a R&AW agent who does something like that will ever get a Red-Carpet Welcome in our country at any point of time and will not be killed by the enemy country’s agent who are roaming around us since last three decades or more. But again, its a work of fiction with some reality in it, so we better take it with a pinch of salt and cherish it.

The philosophical touch in the end was very nice and the great details as what Sehmat does for the country while in Pakistan and how it all pays back heavy dividends was simply mind-blowing. The things that movie lacks in, the book fulfills like I said earlier. Even in the character development department, background story and aftermath is so beautifully done in the book. I totally loved it.

Have you read “Calling Sehmat”? Do let me know how you like it. As per you, which one was better? The Book or the Movie? ...more

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Jul 08, 2018 Ritika Chhabra rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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I'll be honest here. I only heard about this book when I went to watch Raazi - the Bollywood make of this book. I had loved Raazi. The story of Sehmat Khan made me cry. The hardships she had to face in order to save her nation were well, hard. All that she did for the country was impeccable.

So naturally, I was excited about this one as well. I wanted to know what the book held. Soon after buying it, I read this book and well... i was deeply disap ...more

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May 28, 2021 Sanya Goel rated it really liked it

I had read this book when I was not acquainted with the technicalities about the Indian Intelligence Bureau or the defence for that matter. The book had me intrigued due to the unconventional thriller story and the Character- Sehmat. She is not your ordinary girl. She becomes a spy in Pakistan with her courage, writ and perseverance. The story is extremely gripping and keeps you on your toes.
You’ll be surprised to learn that the author wrote the book after listening to the ordeal of the real lif ...more

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May 26, 2018 Srikkanth G rated it liked it · review of another edition

This one should have been divided into 4 parts - Romance, Suspense, Action and Philosophy. The romance part (first 15% of book) is pathetic, earning - 1/5. The suspense (50% of the book) is wonderful, earning - 4/5. Action (20%) is interesting as it's historical with information that I haven't read before - 4/5. Philosophy(5%) is where I observed most 'highlighted' areas in Kindle. It means that lot of people did like them, but I didn't - 2/5.

One request I have to the author is to avoid experim This one should have been divided into 4 parts - Romance, Suspense, Action and Philosophy. The romance part (first 15% of book) is pathetic, earning - 1/5. The suspense (50% of the book) is wonderful, earning - 4/5. Action (20%) is interesting as it's historical with information that I haven't read before - 4/5. Philosophy(5%) is where I observed most 'highlighted' areas in Kindle. It means that lot of people did like them, but I didn't - 2/5.

One request I have to the author is to avoid experimenting with romance. I wasn't convinced about how Sehmet fell in love with Aby. The stage set for their romance was worse than a Tamil/Telugu mass movie. What's even weird is how Sehmet, reluctantly but easily, agreed to get married to another man. I can't get into details due to spoilers. Some of the writing was sloppy as not well established. Thank God that I skimmed through this part until the spy sequence sets in.

Suspense: This is where the author displayed his brilliance. I felt it was a different person writing this part. The pace, story line, the setting, intrigues are excellent. There were moments my heart was beating fast due to which I stopped reading for a while. May be I'm exaggerating, but this part which is 50% of the book, is an excellent read. The twist and turns are different and not very predictable.

Action: The result of what Sehmat achieved is wonderfully laid out. This part reminds me of a book I read, 'India's most fearless'. They are quick short reads of the Navy attack during 1971 war. It's quite an exciting read especially if you want to know the tactical achievement Indian Navy achieved and the sacrifice Navy officers made during the period.

Philosophy: The author decided the finish the story he started taking a philosophical route. While it's not my favorite part, there were lot of Kindle readers 'highlights'.

What could have been better? While the back story of Sehmet was needed, what was missing is why will a girl decide to take on being a spy? The explanation is not convincing enough for her die hard devotion to her country.

There could have been more time spent on the spying part. I felt other characters weren't as well as developed as was Sehmet. He could have added how her love for her husband kind of confused her loyalty or her father in law was developing suspicion or created another sort of drama in her in-law front. I also wonder how come Iqbal, her husband, didn't suspect of his wife behaviour. That part left me confused.

Overall I recommend reading this one. It brings a fresh voice to Indian thriller fiction genre. ...more

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May 11, 2019 T. Sathish rated it it was ok

I was hoping to read a dramatized version of a real life spy thriller..but this book turned out to be a boring narration of events..I have not watched the movie, Raazi, either. I hope atleast the cinematic version was more gripping and action oriented..last 50 pages of the book is not even about Sehmat's spy operations..the author has covered 1971 war portions to fill pages..last two chapters turn into a philosophical dissertation. ...more

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May 23, 2018 Dr Devraj Wodeyar rated it liked it · review of another edition

The setting seems almost unreal. Harinder Sikka’s debut novel, Calling Sehmat, tells the true tale of an Indian spy who was solely responsible for saving the country from losing the 1971 Indo-Pak naval war.

The book is no history lesson; we all know how it ends since it’s a real story but it still manages to keep you engaged while you’re on the edge of your seat. Note: It was published a while ago, and is being republished by Penguin Random House since it has served as the plot for the Alia Bhatt The setting seems almost unreal. Harinder Sikka’s debut novel, Calling Sehmat, tells the true tale of an Indian spy who was solely responsible for saving the country from losing the 1971 Indo-Pak naval war.

The book is no history lesson; we all know how it ends since it’s a real story but it still manages to keep you engaged while you’re on the edge of your seat. Note: It was published a while ago, and is being republished by Penguin Random House since it has served as the plot for the Alia Bhatt starrer "Raazi".

Sikka spends the first few chapters establishing that Sehmat is a vehemently patriotic woman.

Born to a Kashmiri Muslim father and a Hindu mother, Sehmat is taught from the very beginning that love and dedication to the country is the highest form of worship. Her father, Hidayat, plays a vital role in establishing a spy network in Pakistan before he sends in his greatest weapon the affable Sehmat, much to the chagrin of her mother Tej.

These first few chapters are extremely important to understand why the young Sehmat agreed to be married to a high ranking official in Pakistan, even though she loved someone else. It is also important to note that Sehmat is never coerced into the job; she proudly exercises a choice that is probably influenced by her patriotic upbringing.

Eventually, the novel delves into the minute details of Sehmat’s time in Pakistan and her sham marriage to gather information. Sehmat eventually stumbles upon plans that mention the sinking of the INS Vikrant, a vessel that is the pride of the Indian navy. How she gets that information across to the Indian side comprises a major portion of the novel.

Sehmat Khan’s indispensable information, the relaying of which costs lives, becomes the reason why at the end of the war the Indian Navy controls the seas around both sides of Pakistan, and is saved from an embarrassment. We are reminded of why the INS Vikrant is such a symbol of Indian pride its might had provided support and morale to INS Rajput, INS Khukri, etc, allowing a naval blockade to be formed that became vital for the liberation of East Pakistan now Bangladesh.

Harinder Sikka’s third person narration of what follows, post Sehmat being decommissioned, is what makes for an interesting read. Of course, he’s no Robert Ludlum, but the fact that he seamlessly manages to weave in a love story of a heroic spy who sacrifices it all during the ongoing war with the battles undertaken by the Indian Navy, is commendable.

What could have easily been avoided is the spiritual scene that takes place once Sehmat settles back into her old life in India. The godlike imagery that paints a picture of an angel of a hymn singer who happens to pass along her house, the descriptions and meanings of birth from the holy scriptures, and so on, seem out of place in Calling Sehmat. It is evident that Sehmat suffers from intense PTSD, but it is described in, perhaps, the worst way possible. What could be easily wrapped up in a few paragraphs drags on for a bit. ...more

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May 21, 2018 Mayuri Nidigallu rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2018

The Plot:
A young girl is plucked out of college and asked to take over the mantle from her terminally ill father. That is when she realises that her affable father who ran a flourishing business was also a spy for his country, India.

His rapidly declining health leaves no time for another trusted person to take his place and the only person he can confidently recommend is his only child, Sehmat.

Since it is a crucial time for the country, Sehmat agrees to her dying father’s wishes. In a short spa ...more

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Jun 01, 2018 Roma rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A masterpiece

When I heard about rave reviews of the movie Raazi, I wanted to watch the movie. I also read in media about the book on which this movie is based "Calling Sehmat", I knew I had to read the book. As told earlier I enjoy reading more than watching movie and prefer reading before watching as the intrinsic details are missed in movies due to time constraints. This time however I saw the movie first which was simply mind blowing with superb depiction of events and brilliant performances. ...more

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Jan 29, 2021 eShaman rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021, english, indian-authors, movie

3+1/5: Liked it
1 star for the last few chapters. Overall it is a good read.

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About Harinder Sikka

Harinder Sikka

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Harinder Sikka is currently the group director, strategic business, Piramal Group. After graduating from Delhi University, he joined the Indian Navy. He was commissioned in January 1981 and took premature retirement in 1993 as a Lieutenant Commander. He lives in New Delhi with his family.