Bringing a Real-Life Hero to the Screen
For actor Mihir Ahuja, playing Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy in Netflix's "Operation Safed Sagar" meant taking on the responsibility of telling a real-life war hero's story. The series, which dramatises India's 1999 Kargil conflict, has drawn appreciation for its portrayal of the Air Force officers involved. Ahuja, in an interview with India Today, recalled a message from Bal Reddy himself, who told the actor he had "immortalised" his character.
Ahuja spoke candidly about the pressure of stepping into the role with only two days' notice before filming began. "I just got two days before the filming began, and I was very, very nervous. I was like, 'How would I do in two days?' So I read the script in the flight. It was very nerve-wracking for me," he said. Despite the tight timeline, he described the opportunity as an actor's dream: "The first reaction when I got the role was, I'm getting to be a real-life hero. What can be better than this? Any actor would be blessed to be part of this project where you actually get to go to a real-life hero who's been a part of the war."
Preparing for the Role
Ahuja shared that his preparation focused less on mimicry and more on understanding the life of an Air Force officer. He told India Today that he had time at the station to observe the officers and their environment. "I could take my notebook, I could be around, I could be on the side of things, I could meet officers. I could observe them, I could see what's happening inside and outside there and make notes," he explained. He also met the real-life officers whose stories inspired the characters, concentrating on telling their stories authentically rather than copying mannerisms.
The production filmed in real locations, including around a MiG aircraft connected to the war. "We were just so surprised and in shock, with jets around us, that we were just [in awe]," Ahuja remarked, describing the surreal experience of being near the fighter jets.
An Emotional Arc and a Call from the Past
In a separate conversation with Outlook, Ahuja delved into the emotional depth of his character. He described Baldy as having a "very emotional arc" in the show, "torn between his love for the country and his wife, finding himself in a constant dilemma. As a result, he struggles to fully commit to his training at first. This portrays military officers in a deeply human light."
Ahuja noted that he did not have the chance to interact with Baldy or his family before the show. However, he received a call from an Air Force officer who was Baldy's best friend and an engineer during the 1999 Kargil War. The veteran told him that the Indian Air Force was very happy with the series and that it deserved to be preserved. "When he was watching the show, he was bawling and crying a lot, which broke my heart in a good way," Ahuja recalled, feeling overwhelmed that the series was touching so many people, especially the officers.
The show's emotional impact extended to the cast as well. Ahuja described watching the final cut during promotions in Delhi: "We watched the show together during promotions in Delhi, and we were all in tears because it's such an emotional series."
The Reality of Flying a MiG-21
Ahuja also reflected on the physical challenges pilots face, based on his understanding of the aircraft. "There are over 400 controls, making it exhausting to process everything. You can barely see ahead, to the right, or to the left because the cockpits are so small and claustrophobic. It's hard to imagine how pilots manage to fly them, let alone fight and drop bombs," he said to Outlook, highlighting the immense difficulty of the job.
A Journey Marked by Doubt and Persistence
Ahuja, who has been part of projects like "The Archies," "Vijay 69," and "Sarzameen," also opened up about a moment early in his career when he almost gave up on acting. He recounted coming back to his hostel room and saying to himself, "I don't know if I can do this." Yet, he attributes his current path to a sense of destiny, telling India Today, "The roles have chosen me."
"Operation Safed Sagar" stars Prajakta Koli as Madhavi, with Ahuja in the role of Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy. The series continues to receive appreciation for its portrayal of the Kargil War, with audiences and those directly connected to the events resonating with its story.