Cinema VinesNetflix’s upcoming series Operation Safed Sagar is set to bring the lesser‑known aerial campaign of the 1999 Kargil conflict to the screen. The show follows a group of Indian Air Force pilots as they fight in the snowy Himalayas, a mission that historically took place at an altitude of around 18,000 feet above sea level. To capture the harsh conditions, the production team filmed most scenes at 16,500 feet, with actors spending weeks acclimatising at 13,000 feet.
Last summer, the Hindustan Times secured exclusive access to the set and spoke with actors Jimmy Shergill and Siddharth, who portray senior officers in the series. Siddharth, who has never played a fighter pilot before, said his highest altitude during filming was about 13,000 feet. He praised the crew’s resilience, noting that many members suffered altitude sickness but pushed on, saying, “They have touched way greater heights than us, to put it mildly.”
Jimmy Shergill, who also plays an Air Force officer, reflected on the physical demands of shooting at high elevations. “I was there for 10 days. We have done those altitudes before, but this time the field was different, the players were different. It was very raw,” he explained. He highlighted the crew’s dedication, adding that they had to acclimatise a few days before shooting and that some fell ill during the 1.5‑month shoot.
Both actors expressed concern that viewers might underestimate the risks of filming at such altitudes after the show airs. Jimmy warned, “They are going to kill a lot of people after this because they will think: ‘These people shot for 1.5 months, we only have to do it for 20 days’. They won’t survive 3 days.” Siddharth echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of respecting the physical limits of the crew.
Co‑creator and showrunner Abhijeet Singh Parmar defended the decision to shoot in the snow‑covered peaks, stating, “We had no option. It’s called Safed Sagar, so we had to go where it is all white (snow). We didn’t know where else to find it.” The series aims to shed light on the air battle that complemented the Indian Army’s Operation Vijay during the Kargil War, offering audiences an inside look at the bravery and challenges faced by the Indian Air Force.
