Emraan Hashmi's 'Ground Zero' Brings the Untold Story of Terrorist Ghazi Baba's Elimination
- byPranay Jain
- 25 Apr, 2025

The 2001 Indian Parliament attack, which claimed the lives of nine individuals, remains one of the most horrifying terrorist incidents in Indian history. At the heart of this attack was Rana Tahir Nadeem, also known as Ghazi Baba, the mastermind and commander of the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. However, in 2003, thanks to a brilliant strategy devised by BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, Ghazi Baba was tracked down and eliminated.
This gripping, real-life story is now being brought to the big screen by Emraan Hashmi in his latest film, 'Ground Zero', which released in theaters on 25 April. The film sheds light on the incredible operation that led to Ghazi Baba’s death, one of the most elusive terrorists at the time.
The Hunt for Ghazi Baba
Since the 2001 Parliament attack, there was a nationwide effort to capture Ghazi Baba, but he remained elusive. By 2003, the intelligence agencies had little information on his whereabouts, making it nearly impossible to track him down. However, during an operation in Srinagar, a suspicious man was apprehended. Upon investigation, it was revealed that he was a human bomb, and after some interrogation, he admitted to knowing Ghazi Baba. Though he didn’t know his exact location, the man led authorities to a carpenter who frequently worked on Ghazi Baba’s residence.
The Carpenter’s Clue
The carpenter, who was blindfolded during his visits to the house, eventually provided a significant clue. After considerable effort, he was able to identify the house where Ghazi Baba had been hiding. This discovery led Narendra Nath Dubey to craft an elaborate plan to capture the terrorist.
The Final Confrontation
On the day of the operation, when Dubey and his team reached the house, they searched the third floor but found nothing. However, with the carpenter’s hint, they discovered a hidden glass window that led to another part of the house. As soon as this clue was verified, a fierce firefight broke out, resulting in the death of Ghazi Baba.
'Ground Zero': A Tribute to the Brave Officer
The film 'Ground Zero' highlights the brave efforts of Narendra Nath Dubey and his team, showcasing a side of the story that was largely unknown to the public. Emraan Hashmi plays the pivotal role of the BSF officer, adding another layer of intensity to his versatile acting career. Directed by Tejas Deoskar, the film has been shot in the real locations of Kashmir, bringing authenticity to the narrative.
Interestingly, 'Ground Zero' has already made history even before its release, as it became the first film in 38 years to premiere in Srinagar, marking a significant milestone for Bollywood.
With its mix of real-world heroism, intense drama, and thrilling action, it will be intriguing to see how the audience responds to Emraan Hashmi in the role of a courageous officer. Will 'Ground Zero' finally break Emraan’s recent streak of flops, or will it rise to the occasion and captivate moviegoers? Only time will tell.