Abhay Verma on Portraying a Kargil War Hero in 'Operation Safed Sagar'
Actor Abhay Verma, who plays Wing Commander Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal in Netflix's military drama Operation Safed Sagar, says the overwhelming response to the series has been beyond expectations. The show, which depicts the Indian Air Force's historic combat mission during the 1999 Kargil War, has struck an emotional chord with viewers, according to Verma.
"Even though none of us had expected such a reception, I had been hoping that the stories of these real heroes would create feelings of gratitude in the hearts of the people of the country," Verma said, reflecting on the show's success.
The series is based on the Indian Air Force's operation aimed at flushing out Pakistani troops from occupied positions in the Kargil sector along the Line of Control. It marked the first large-scale use of airpower in Jammu and Kashmir since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, according to the actor, who spoke to IANS following the show's release.
Remembering Wing Commander Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal
Dhaliwal, who was 25 at the time of the events depicted, is remembered as an exceptionally skilled pilot whose confidence was sometimes described as reckless. He died in 2009 during a routine flying sortie, but his legacy endures among his comrades.
Verma described the profound impact of meeting people at Air Force stations who knew Dhaliwal. "When I mentioned that I'm playing Dhaliwal sir, everyone around—even 16 years after his passing—was really overjoyed to talk about him," Verma told IANS. "That really tells something—that generations are enchanted by his work. He has been such an inspiration whose courage speaks volumes."
The actor also shared a personal ritual he followed while filming: "Before starting the day, I would close my eyes and remember him for two minutes. I would try to imagine what kind of a human he would be."
The most meaningful compliment, Verma said, came from Dhaliwal's daughter, who told him she found shades of her father in his portrayal. "That made me so happy. I can truly say that I found my hero while I was playing him," he said.
A Rising Career
Verma, 28, began his career as a junior artiste in Super 30, gained recognition with The Family Man 2 in 2019, and made his film debut with Safed in 2023. His role in the 2024 horror-comedy Munjya brought him into the spotlight.
His upcoming projects include Shah Rukh Khan's King, opposite Suhana Khan, as well as Laikey Laikaa, Jacob Cardoso, and Lijo Jose Pellissery's Dilkashi.
Working with Khan was a personal milestone for Verma, who called the superstar his "best teacher." "He never once made me feel he was a legend. He talks to you as an equal," Verma said, adding that he also appreciated the support of Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji on the project.