Siddharth recollects his experience of working with real Indian Air Force pilots on 'Operation Safed Sagar'
Mumbai, Aug 9
Actor Siddharth, who essays the role of a fighter pilot in the recently released streaming series 'Operation Safed Sagar', has shared his experience of working with "pilots from the Indian Air Force" on the series.
The actor spoke with IANS along with his co-actors Jimmy Shergill, Mihir Ahuja and Arnav Bhasin in the BKC area of Mumbai during the promotions of the series.
Recollecting his experience, he told IANS, "The air force also gave us so much. Just imagine you are actually doing your pre-flight check on an actual Mi-21 before it was retired. So we were the last to get our hands on those machines".
He further mentioned, "Our crew has actually had pilots from the Indian Air Force fly MiGs in short. Land MiGs, take-off MiGs. Who gets all this? So at that time, if you want to act as a pilot, if you don't even do that, then, brother, something is very wrong".
The series is based on the eponymous combined arms operation by the Indian Air Force, supporting elements of the Indian Army during the 1999 Kargil war that was aimed at flushing out regular and irregular troops of the Pakistani Army from vacated Indian Positions in the Kargil sector along the Line of Control. It was the first large-scale use of airpower in the Jammu and Kashmir region since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. It was the first large-scale use of airpower in the Jammu and Kashmir region since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Operation Safed Sagar was launched on May 26, it targeted Pakistani positions entrenched on high-altitude peaks after initial ground advances faced stiff resistance. Flying under strict orders not to cross the Line of Control, the IAF deployed aircraft including the MiG-27, MiG-21, Mirage 2000 and Mi-17 helicopters. Precision strikes by the Mirage 2000 destroyed enemy bunkers, supply routes and logistics hubs, weakening Pakistani defences and enabling Indian Army troops to recapture strategic heights, significantly contributing to India's victory.
The series is available to stream on Netflix.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I remember watching the news in 1999, the tension was palpable. It's wonderful that this operation is being brought to the screen. The fact that they had real IAF pilots guiding them and touched the legendary MiG-21 before its retirement is so cool. Will definitely watch it!
While I appreciate the effort to show military history, I hope the series accurately depicts the complexities of the conflict. My Indian friends often talk about the Kargil war with pride, and it's great to see such productions highlight the sacrifices of the armed forces. Looking forward to checking it out on Netflix.
My father served in the Indian Army, and he has shared so many stories about the Kargil campaign. It's heartening to see the younger generation take interest in our defence history. Hats off to Siddharth and the entire crew for their dedication. This is more than just a show; it's a tribute. 🙏
Good to see such patriotic content. The IAF pilots' sacrifices during Operation Safed Sagar are often overshadowed by the army's efforts. Glad the series gives them their due. That said, I wish we also hear the stories of the ground soldiers who fought in those freezing heights. Still, kudos to the makers!
The scene of the MiG-21 being prepared for takeoff gave me goosebumps, even in the trailer. My grandfather used to tell me stories about the IAF's bravery. It's inspiring that actors like Siddharth are bringing this authenticity to the screen. Can't wait to binge-watch this series this weekend
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