Filming Netflix’s war drama ‘Operation Safed Sagar,’ a portrayal of the Indian Air Force’s integral involvement in the Kargil War, presented significant challenges for the cast and crew. Abhay Verma, who embodies Flying Officer Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal, affectionately known as Dhali, recently recounted the demanding experience, which included navigating extreme weather conditions, undertaking journeys to high-altitude locales, and the extraordinary opportunity to sit inside a MiG-21 aircraft.
During an appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Abhay Verma shared how working on ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ provided him with an unprecedented perspective on India’s diverse landscapes. He expressed his astonishment at the country’s beauty, stating that he had never witnessed such sights before. “This was the first time I saw snow,” he remarked, highlighting the stark contrast with experiencing extreme heat for the first time as well.
The physical demands of the shoot were considerable. Verma detailed the intense climate fluctuations encountered during production: “We shot in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and it gets extremely hot there. We filmed at an Air Force base. So, I experienced extreme heat and cold, saw snowfall, and also saw people fall (faint). It was a very different experience.” He fondly reflected on the period, noting that the absence of personal phones created a more immersive and memorable journey, allowing those experiences to remain vivid in their memories.
Verma also conveyed a sense of melancholy upon the conclusion of filming, acknowledging the unique nature of the experience. He highlighted a particular point of pride for the entire team: “But all of us can proudly say that we were the last ones to sit in a MiG-21 (Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft).”
The logistical challenges extended to the journey to remote shooting locations. Jimmy Shergill, who portrays Wing Commander BS ‘Tony’ Dhanoa, revealed that the team often had to endure commutes exceeding two hours to reach sets situated high in the mountains. This arduous travel even led to a surprising departure from the crew. Shergill recounted an instance where his makeup artist, a long-standing collaborator of 30 years since the 1996 film ‘Maachis,’ unexpectedly quit due to the overwhelming conditions. “We shot in the mountains at altitudes of 16,000-17,000 feet. It took us two to two and a half hours to drive to where our set was located,” Shergill explained, emphasizing the toll the environment took.
For Arnav Bhasin, who plays Flying Officer Amit Gupta, or Goofy, in the series, ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ stands as his most significant project to date. He expressed profound gratitude for the learning opportunities it provided, noting the willingness of everyone involved to share their knowledge. Having been born around the time of the Kargil War, Bhasin admitted to a limited understanding of ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ before the project. “So, through this show, I learned a lot,” he shared, underscoring the educational aspect of his involvement.
Helmed by director Oni Sen, ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ is a Netflix series that meticulously chronicles the Indian Air Force’s pivotal role during the 1999 Kargil War, deriving its title from the actual military operation. The series features Jimmy Shergill as Wing Commander BS ‘Tony’ Dhanoa, alongside Abhay Verma and Arnav Bhasin in prominent roles. It has garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling and authentic recreation of the aerial campaign. The extensive filming at real Air Force bases and within challenging mountain terrains has resonated deeply with audiences, serving as a powerful tribute to the courageous pilots who served during the conflict. The series has become a significant piece of entertainment, offering a dramatic yet respectful portrayal of a pivotal historical event.
