If there is one thing ‘Sky Force’ debutant Veer Pahariya wants out of the war film releasing for Republic Day next week, it is that it will serve as an inspiration for generations decades ahead to join the Armed Forces and serve the country. He fervently desires the sacrificing story of the real life fighter pilot, Squadron Leader Ajjamada Bopayya Devayya, who he plays in the Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani directorial, be known and remembered for eternity.

During the Indo-Pak War of 1965, Ajjamada undertook a daring mission to destroy Pakistan’s heavily guarded base at Sargodha. Known by his call sign ‘Wings of Fire’, Ajjamada took the fight to the enemy and was confronted by a fearsome Pakistani Air Force F-104 Starfighter, one of the most advanced jets of the time. The odds were against the maverick IAF ace. But daringly and cleverly he took down the Starfighter, becoming the only Indian fighter pilot to defeat the Starfighter.

Ajjamada became martyred in this battle and was posthumously honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second highest gallantry award during wartime. ‘Sky Force’ is all about this sacrifice during battle. And for Veer Pahariya, Ajjamada is the real hero of the 1965 Indo-Pak war. No actor could get a bigger and more overwhelming opportunity to play a real life hero than he has been presented in Jio Studios-Maddox Films production, believes Veer Pahariya.

His preparation for the role meant more than getting into the late and great IAF war veteran’s shoes and flight suit. Veer Pahariya trained at IAF bases in Lohegaon, Suratgarh, Delhi, Pathankot and Gwalior. Hands-on training in aerial warfare and how to handle fighter planes was gained by the young actor in his live interactions with fighter pilots his age. He is too modest to say it, but Veer Pahariya knows that ‘Sky Force’ will give the audiences a deeper insight into Ajjamada than all the information available on the Net.