Colonel Munishwar Nath Bakshi, popularly known as Colonel Hunny Bakshi, is a retired Indian Army Intelligence Corps officer who once commanded the secretive Technical Support Division (TSD). Years after a career associated with military intelligence and covert operations, the veteran officer took on a very different role — portraying Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj Ji, in the 2026 film Hanuman Ansh.
A recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Colonel Bakshi was commissioned into the Military Intelligence Corps in December 1988 after training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. His military career included assignments connected with Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast and military intelligence operations.
Before taking charge of the TSD, he commanded a Military Intelligence unit in Kolkata between 2007 and 2010. He has spoken publicly about his operational experience, including involvement in counter-IED work and ceasefire-related assignments in the Northeast, and has said that he survived three IED attacks during his service.
Commanding the Technical Support Division
Colonel Bakshi became widely known because of his association with the Technical Support Division, an ad hoc Military Intelligence unit created in 2010 during the tenure of then Chief of Army Staff General V.K. Singh.
Bakshi was selected to raise and command the unit. Operating from Delhi Cantonment, the TSD was tasked with sensitive intelligence-related activities, with its work largely remaining outside the public domain.
Over the years, numerous claims about the unit’s activities have appeared in media reports and interviews. Bakshi himself has subsequently discussed aspects of the TSD and his intelligence career in public interviews. However, many operational details remain classified and several specific claims concerning its missions have not been independently confirmed through official records.
The TSD was disbanded in 2012 following General V.K. Singh’s retirement.
Years of Inquiries and Legal Proceedings
Following the closure of the TSD, Colonel Bakshi faced a turbulent period in his Army career. Several inquiries were initiated amid allegations concerning the functioning of the unit, including questions surrounding surveillance equipment, classified material and expenditure from secret funds.
He was eventually attached for General Court Martial proceedings. The proceedings were dropped in March 2018 after the court accepted a plea in bar concerning procedural and legal issues, including questions related to the Court of Inquiry and documents sought for his defence. No conviction resulted from the proceedings.
Bakshi later continued serving in the Army before taking premature retirement on November 5, 2019.
From Military Intelligence to Public Commentary
Following retirement, Colonel Bakshi emerged as a commentator on defence and national-security issues.
He has appeared in interviews and public discussions covering subjects including military intelligence, Kashmir, internal security, the Agnipath recruitment system, Khalistan-related security concerns and the situation in Manipur.
His experience with the Technical Support Division has also remained a major subject of public interest, particularly following his detailed interviews about the controversial intelligence unit.
Colonel Hunny Bakshi as Neem Karoli Baba
In an unexpected transition from military intelligence to cinema, Colonel Bakshi appeared as Neem Karoli Baba in the 2026 film Hanuman Ansh.
According to Bakshi’s account, his involvement with the project began after he approached director Vishal Chaturvedi with a script of his own. His physical resemblance to Neem Karoli Baba eventually led to him being offered the role of the revered spiritual figure.
Bakshi reportedly followed dietary restrictions while preparing for and portraying Maharaj Ji. He later described the film’s commercial performance as a “chamatkar” or miracle.
The appearance marked an unusual new chapter for an officer whose professional life had previously revolved around military intelligence and national-security assignments.
A Possible Larger Role Ahead
Colonel Bakshi has continued exploring creative work after retirement and has spoken about writing scripts for web series and other projects.
He has also indicated that audiences could potentially see him in a larger role in a planned sequel following his cameo as Neem Karoli Baba.
From graduating from the Indian Military Academy and serving in the Intelligence Corps to commanding one of the Indian Army’s most discussed intelligence units, and eventually portraying Neem Karoli Baba on screen, Colonel Hunny Bakshi’s journey has taken him through remarkably different worlds.
His appearance in Hanuman Ansh adds another chapter to the life of a veteran officer whose military career, particularly his tenure with the Technical Support Division, continues to attract considerable public interest.
