Cinema VinesActor Jimmy Shergill has expressed his delight that the new series Operation Safed Sagar is resonating with viewers, noting that the show’s portrayal of Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel has been praised for its authenticity and lack of grandiose heroics. Shergill, who plays an IAF pilot, said the key to the realistic depiction was the time he spent with real officers during research, which helped him capture their humility and straightforward manner.
Speaking about the process, Shergill explained that the production team wanted the series to feel as close to reality as possible, and he was instructed to maintain that level of authenticity in his performance. He added that when audiences recognize the show as genuine, it is a win for both the actors and the creators.
In a discussion about the typical hypermasculine roles common in Bollywood, Shergill acknowledged that while such portrayals are popular, he believes variety is essential. He said, “If I get a testosterone‑y kind of a role, I would do it gladly. I am an actor and it’s my job to play different roles. I will play a subtle role with the same dedication as I will do an aggressive, hypermasculine role.”
Shergill has previously portrayed IAF officers in the 2004 film Agnipankh and the 2011 movie Dharti. Returning to the military setting in Operation Safed Sagar reminded him of those earlier projects, and he recalled the support he received from seasoned actors on those sets. This time, however, he found himself mentoring a younger group of performers—Abhay Verma, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, and Arnav Bhasin—who he praised for their talent and dedication.
Reflecting on the experience, Shergill said, “The boys are brilliant and more than what they took away from me or I took away from them, it’s important to say that they were brilliant in their characters. I was part of scenes where they were performing in front of me and I was so happy to see them do so well. You just know that something good is going to come out of it. It’s important to appreciate good talent and they were brilliant.”
