Actor Siddharth reflects on his journey of portraying patriotic icons, bridging the gap between the revolutionary spirit of 'Rang De Basanti' and the military heroism of 'Operation Safed Sagar'.

  • Siddharth portrays Kargil War hero Ajay Ahuja in the upcoming series 'Operation Safed Sagar'.
  • The project coincides with the 20th anniversary of the cult classic 'Rang De Basanti'.
  • The series aims to inspire Gen-Z to join the Indian Air Force by humanizing war heroes.

In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, actor Siddharth opened up about the serendipitous timing of his new period war drama, 'Operation Safed Sagar', and the 20th anniversary of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's 'Rang De Basanti'. The actor believes it is his destiny to make patriotism 'cool' for the youth, moving away from stereotypical depictions of nationalism toward a more nuanced, sensitive approach.

Reflecting on his role in 'Rang De Basanti', Siddharth noted that while he played Karan Singhania, he always identified with the spirit of Bhagat Singh. He views the film as a vessel that brought the selfless martyrdom of the freedom struggle into a contemporary setting. Now, two decades later, he steps into the shoes of Ajay Ahuja, a real-life hero of the Kargil War, continuing his streak of portraying men who sacrificed everything for the nation.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that there is a shifting paradigm in how Indian cinema handles military narratives. Instead of the 'larger-than-life' deification often seen in recent jingoistic cinema, 'Operation Safed Sagar' focuses on the human behind the uniform. By showcasing how pilots behave, dream, and celebrate, the series makes the Air Force relatable to Gen-Z, potentially serving as a recruitment catalyst for the next generation of officers.

"The foundation of defense forces must be built on humanity and love, not just the shrill noise of jingoism."

The series is one of Netflix India's most expensive ventures, highlighting the shift toward high-budget, merit-based storytelling on streaming platforms. Siddharth mentioned his gratitude toward the streaming era, which allows actors to headline diverse projects. He also shared a lighthearted moment about his tribute to Ajay Ahuja’s favorite actor, Shah Rukh Khan, by performing to the song 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein' in the series.

Historically, 'Rang De Basanti' acted as a wake-up call for a generation disillusioned with politics. Similarly, Siddharth hopes 'Operation Safed Sagar' will inspire young people to 'take to the skies'. By avoiding the trap of loud nationalism, the creators have strived for authenticity, ensuring that the depiction of the Air Force is grounded in truth and historical accuracy.

Did You Know?: Siddharth's wife, Aditi Rao Hydari, also starred in a Netflix flagship show, 'Heeramandi', making them a powerhouse couple in the current Indian streaming landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is 'Operation Safed Sagar' about?
A: It is a period war drama detailing the Indian Air Force's pivotal role in the Kargil War, focusing on the life of hero Ajay Ahuja.

Q2: How does Siddharth differentiate his brand of patriotism?
A: He describes it as 'soft and unassuming patriotism,' focusing on humanity and relatability rather than loud jingoism.