R Madhavan Portrays NSA Ajit Doval In Dhurandhar: All You Need To Know
Aditya Dhar’s highly anticipated film, Dhurandhar, released on 5 December 2025, has been met with tremendous response from audiences. Loosely inspired by real-life events, the film features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna.
While many characters are based on real people, R Madhavan’s portrayal of ‘Ajay Sanyal’ stands out. The role is inspired by India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Kumar Doval. Madhavan’s transformation was so convincing that even co-star Arjun Rampal reportedly did not recognise him on set.
"The character of Ajay Sanyal is gaining a lot of attention, and it’s amazing to see Madhavan step into the shoes of India’s spymaster," said Dhar.
Who is Ajit Kumar Doval?
Ajit Kumar Doval is one of India’s most renowned bureaucrats, serving as the fifth and current National Security Advisor (NSA) since 2014. As NSA, he advises the Prime Minister’s Office on national security matters and is the primary advisor on the National Security Council.
Born in Uttarakhand in 1945, Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968, Kerala cadre, starting as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Kottayam. Over the years, he served extensively in intelligence, law enforcement, and crisis management, becoming the youngest police officer in India to be awarded the Kirti Chakra.
Undercover Heroics and Espionage
Ajit Doval is celebrated for his undercover work and strategic acumen. Trained under M.K. Narayan, the third NSA of India, Doval infiltrated the Golden Temple during Operation Black Thunder in 1988, posing as an ISI agent to map positions of Khalistani militants.
He also spent seven years undercover in Pakistan, gathering intelligence on militant activities. Doval played a key role in Operation Blue Star in 1984, helping militants in Kashmir transition to counter-insurgency. During the IC-814 hijack in Kandahar (1999), he was among the key negotiators ensuring the safe release of hostages. Between 1971 and 1999, Doval successfully thwarted 15 Indian airline hijackings.
Strategic Operations and National Security Leadership
Ajit Doval has been at the forefront of many pivotal operations. He was involved in the Mizo Insurgency (1970), the Sikkim Merger (1975), and other significant missions. He is also credited with masterminding the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, crucial military actions against cross-border terrorism.
Doval played a vital role in ending the Doklam standoff and addressing insurgency in India’s Northeast. When Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan, Doval initiated critical talks with the US Secretary of State for his release.
In 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack, he coordinated Operation Sindoor , involving precise airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, showcasing his strategic foresight and national security expertise.
Through Dhurandhar, R Madhavan brings to life the formidable persona of Ajit Doval, giving audiences a glimpse into the courage, intelligence, and dedication of one of India’s most iconic spymasters.
While many characters are based on real people, R Madhavan’s portrayal of ‘Ajay Sanyal’ stands out. The role is inspired by India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Kumar Doval. Madhavan’s transformation was so convincing that even co-star Arjun Rampal reportedly did not recognise him on set.
"The character of Ajay Sanyal is gaining a lot of attention, and it’s amazing to see Madhavan step into the shoes of India’s spymaster," said Dhar.
Who is Ajit Kumar Doval?
Ajit Kumar Doval is one of India’s most renowned bureaucrats, serving as the fifth and current National Security Advisor (NSA) since 2014. As NSA, he advises the Prime Minister’s Office on national security matters and is the primary advisor on the National Security Council.
Born in Uttarakhand in 1945, Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968, Kerala cadre, starting as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Kottayam. Over the years, he served extensively in intelligence, law enforcement, and crisis management, becoming the youngest police officer in India to be awarded the Kirti Chakra.
Undercover Heroics and Espionage
Ajit Doval is celebrated for his undercover work and strategic acumen. Trained under M.K. Narayan, the third NSA of India, Doval infiltrated the Golden Temple during Operation Black Thunder in 1988, posing as an ISI agent to map positions of Khalistani militants.
He also spent seven years undercover in Pakistan, gathering intelligence on militant activities. Doval played a key role in Operation Blue Star in 1984, helping militants in Kashmir transition to counter-insurgency. During the IC-814 hijack in Kandahar (1999), he was among the key negotiators ensuring the safe release of hostages. Between 1971 and 1999, Doval successfully thwarted 15 Indian airline hijackings.
Strategic Operations and National Security Leadership
Ajit Doval has been at the forefront of many pivotal operations. He was involved in the Mizo Insurgency (1970), the Sikkim Merger (1975), and other significant missions. He is also credited with masterminding the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, crucial military actions against cross-border terrorism.
Doval played a vital role in ending the Doklam standoff and addressing insurgency in India’s Northeast. When Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan, Doval initiated critical talks with the US Secretary of State for his release.
In 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack, he coordinated Operation Sindoor , involving precise airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, showcasing his strategic foresight and national security expertise.
Through Dhurandhar, R Madhavan brings to life the formidable persona of Ajit Doval, giving audiences a glimpse into the courage, intelligence, and dedication of one of India’s most iconic spymasters.
Next Story