Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Abhay Verma Recalls Sitting in Real MiG-21 for Series
Abhay Verma acted in a series called Operation Safed Sagar.
While filming, he sat inside a real MiG-21 fighter jet.
He said this was a special experience because the aircraft has been decommissioned.
He called the plane a “flying bomb” as part of a joke about its design.
The show was filmed at real air force locations instead of only on studio sets.
The actors also practiced flying-related movements and military ceremonies.
They learned how to salute and follow procedures used in 1999.
The series tells a story connected to the Kargil War.
Siddharth plays the real-life pilot Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja.
Abhay Verma said he was among the last civilians and actors to sit in a real MiG-21.
He described the aircraft as a “flying bomb” while explaining a joke about its cramped cockpit design.
Operation Safed Sagar was filmed at real locations, including Chandigarh Air Force Station, Bikaner and Gwalior.
The cast trained in cockpit procedures, flying lessons, march-pasts, salutes and ceremonial protocols from 1999.
The series portrays the 1999 Kargil War and includes Siddharth as Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja.
- Who
- Actor Abhay Verma, who plays RS Dhaliwal in Operation Safed Sagar; Siddharth also stars as Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja.
- What
- Verma described sitting in a real MiG-21 and discussed the realistic filming and training for the series.
- When
- The interview was published on August 29, 2026; the story portrayed events from 1999.
- Where
- Filming took place at Chandigarh Air Force Station, Bikaner and Gwalior.
- Why
- The production aimed to realistically portray the Indian Air Force’s role during the 1999 Kargil War.
- Series
- Operation Safed Sagar
- Abhay Verma’s role
- RS Dhaliwal
- Aircraft experienced
- MiG-21
- Filming locations
- Chandigarh Air Force Station, Bikaner and Gwalior
- Historical conflict
- 1999 Kargil War
- Siddharth’s role
- Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja
- Aircraft status
- The MiG-21 has been decommissioned, according to the article’s quick answers.