Cinema VinesActor Jimmy Shergill is busy promoting the film Operation Safed Sagar, a dramatisation of the real‑life Indian Air Force operation that took place during the 1999 Kargil War. In a recent interview he explained why he feels it is essential to expose the younger generation to the largely untold story of the bravery displayed by the IAF pilots.
During the conversation Shergill admitted that he had once wanted to join the armed forces himself. “I scored over 90 per cent in my exams, yet I fell short of the cut‑off marks,” he said, recalling how fierce the competition was. He lamented that today’s youth seem uninterested in a career in the military, noting that “everyone has a phone and is encouraged to shoot reels; everyone wants to make films, so who will fight for the nation?”
Speaking specifically about Operation Safed Sagar, Shergill said the film is a vehicle to teach youngsters about the courage and sacrifices of Indian soldiers and airmen. He urged viewers to watch the film and, if inspired, “say, ‘I want to join the Air Force’.” He added that even if the next generation does not join, they can still encourage their own children to consider a military career.
When asked by the Hindustan Times whether patriotic films have become louder over the last two decades, Shergill replied that in today’s times “everything feels like you have to shout to be heard.” He compared this to the past, when news was delivered calmly and audiences listened attentively, and suggested that the current trend of shouting may be a reflection of broader media habits.
