Akshay Oberoi: Having access to best pilots was a privilege

Akshay, who plays squadron leader in Fighter, on learning protocols from pilots at a specially organised camp in Tezpur Air Force Station

When director Siddharth Anand conceptualised Fighter, he wanted to ensure that the principal cast was adequately prepped before they stepped into the world of the aerial action thriller. Since the Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor-starrer is centred on a few Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots, the director shot a portion of the film at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam, thus lending it authenticity. Not only that, in late 2022, the production team also organised a special camp with the real-life pilots at the air force base that would aid the actors in their prep for the movie.   

Fighter hit the screens yesterday

Akshay Oberoi, who plays a squadron leader in the recent release, says the few days spent with some of India’s finest pilots gave him enough material to enhance his character of Basheer Khan aka Bash. Though it wasn’t a formal training camp, the sessions allowed the actors to delve into different aspects of the profession. “I was curious and wanted to be well-prepared with regard to my character. Having access to some of India’s best pilots was an incredible privilege, and I made sure not to let that opportunity go to waste. We asked them about their manner of speaking, the significance of different badges on their uniforms, and protocols. All [this knowledge] has an emotional impact, and it is necessary to learn the psyche of the person you play,” says the actor. 

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