Local talents shine in Bollywood film 120 Bahadur
Table of Contents
TWO Malaysian actors have made history after landing leading antagonist roles in the Bollywood war drama 120 Bahadur, marking a rare moment of visibility for local performers in one of the world’s biggest film industries.
The film, based on the Battle of Rezang La during the Sino Indian War, features stage veteran Seng Soo Ming as Major Memeti and actor- educator Fred Chan as Captain Aimer. Both appear across key moments of the film, contributing to the emotional tone of the story despite limited dialouge.
120 Bahadur premiered on Nov 21 in India and was featured in the Gala Premiere section of the 56th International Film Festival of India.
Fred Chan’s unexpected breakthrough
For Chan, 39, the role marks the biggest milestone of his acting career. The former secondary school teacher only ventured into performing arts part time in 2019 before going full time in 2022.
“When I got the script, I only saw my part. I assumed there would be many Chinese soldier characters. I did not expect my character to have the most screen time,” he told theSun.
He described the Ladakh shoot as both demanding and transformative. The high altitude made physical scenes challenging, especially those requiring shouting, running and commanding troops.
“I easily felt shortness of breath. I am glad I did not skip training because I had to climb hills, shout commands and maintain the leadership energy of a soldier,” he said.
It was also his first time handling a rifle on screen.
“I did not receive training beforehand. They taught me on the spot and I copied what the action team showed me,” he said.
Chan said his performance was shaped by the physical training he once received from Seng, whom he regards as a key influence in his development.
Seng Soo Ming’s first film after decades in theatre
For Seng, 120 Bahadur arrives after more than 30 years in theatre across China, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan. Despite his long career, this is his first time on the silverscreen.
“It is exciting. Perhaps because of the years in theatre, I did not feel a big shock when stepping into film. Instead, I felt interested and energised,” Seng told theSun.
The production was filmed in Ladakh, a location he had never heard of until the casting process. The vast mountain terrain became a dramatic contrast to the controlled spaces of stage work.
“In theatre, we build our own sets in a limited space. Here, the whole mountain became the stage. When I stood there and saw the huge production, it felt like the entire world had expanded,” he said.
Seng also highlighted another big difference between performing live on stage and performing in front of a camera for 120 Bahadur.
“For one scene, I tried to physically slow my movements for dramatic event but then the director told me I didn’t need to do that because they will just do it in post production,” Seng added.
With only a few lines in the script, Seng relied on decades of training that emphasised intention, rhythm and inner energy.
“With limited dialogue, I draw from training that looks at the character from within and without. I know how to express the emotion or energy without words while staying aware of how it appears to the audience,” he said.
He researched historical figures from 1960s China to portray a soldier with credibility, weaving his experience touring China with Stan Lai’s The Village into the character.
Teacher and student on shared set
Although the two actors appear in separate scenes for most of 120 Bahadur, both found meaning in working on a shared production.
Chan said he continued seeking Seng’s guidance whenever possible, while Seng described their reunion on the mountain as special.
“As a mentor, it feels good to see a student’s work recognised in another country. As a friend, it feels meaningful to be in a shared production,” Seng said.
The pair also created imaginary backstories for fun while waiting between takes, imagining their characters coming from one village.
Growing confidence in international space
Both actors said the multinational environment was energising. Chan found the professionalism consistent across cultures, while Seng said his years of intercultural work helped him adapt faster.
“These experiences prepare me to work with crews and actors I meet for the first time. I did not feel out of place,” Seng said.
Chan hopes the milestone leads to more opportunities for Malaysians in Bollywood and beyond.
“I hope there will be more opportunities between Bollywood and Malaysia. If they need recommendations, I am happy to be the bridge,” he said.
Seng, who joked that he has become a “professional villain” after a string of antagonist roles, said he hopes to take on more film work while continuing to tell homegrown stories.
“Whether in theatre or film, it is important to portray stories of our homeland. That is why I am here in Malaysia doing this work,” he said.
