Abhay Verma, who won widespread attention with the horror-comedy film Munjya, has taken on a very different role in the patriotic series Operation Safed Sagar. The actor portrays Flying Officer Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal, an Indian Air Force fighter pilot associated with the 1999 Kargil War.

For Abhay, wearing the uniform was not simply another acting assignment. The character is based on a real officer whose courage and flying skills became part of the Indian Air Force's story during the Kargil conflict.

Abhay Verma on playing a real-life hero

Speaking about the role, Abhay Verma described wearing the military uniform as a long-held dream and said portraying a real-life serviceman brought an added sense of responsibility.

He also highlighted Dhaliwal's fearless personality and confidence, saying that he tried to bring those qualities to the screen as honestly as possible.

The role required Abhay to portray not just a fictional action hero but a young fighter pilot who had actually served during one of India's most challenging military operations.

Who was Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal?

Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal was born in January 1974 and joined the Indian Air Force as a pilot officer in June 1995.

When the Kargil conflict began in 1999, Dhaliwal was serving with No. 17 Squadron, known as the Golden Arrows. The squadron was involved in the Indian Air Force's Operation Safed Sagar, the air campaign conducted during the Kargil War.

At around 25 years of age, Dhaliwal was among the young fighter pilots taking part in the operations.

Flying dangerous night missions

The Kargil conflict presented an extremely challenging environment for military pilots. The high-altitude Himalayan terrain, narrow valleys and difficult weather conditions made aerial operations particularly demanding.

According to the account presented in the series' background, Dhaliwal took part in night missions despite having limited experience with night flying and no previous experience conducting a night strike in the valley.

Flying a MiG-21 through difficult mountainous terrain, he carried out multiple combat missions and attacked enemy positions.

His performance during the conflict earned him the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry.

From Kargil pilot to Surya Kiran

Dhaliwal's career did not end with the Kargil War. He continued serving in the Indian Air Force and eventually became part of the prestigious Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team in 2007.

The team is known for performing highly precise aerial formations and demanding aerobatic manoeuvres.

For a fighter pilot, being selected for the Surya Kiran team is considered a significant achievement because of the precision, discipline and flying expertise required.

Dhaliwal eventually rose to the rank of Wing Commander.

The tragic accident in 2009

Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal's life came to a tragic end while he was still serving in the Air Force.

On January 31, 2009, during a training sortie at Bidar Air Force Station in Karnataka, the Kiran aircraft he was flying crashed.

Dhaliwal died at the age of 35.

A real story brought to a new generation

Operation Safed Sagar brings attention to the people behind the military operations that are often remembered only through dates and headlines.

Abhay Verma's portrayal introduces a younger generation of viewers to the story of Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal, whose career included combat missions during the Kargil War, service with the Surya Kiran team and a life dedicated to the Indian Air Force.

While the series presents the story through a dramatic format, Dhaliwal's real-life service remains a reminder of the courage, skill and sacrifice associated with India's military personnel.