India, Aug. 31 -- Actor Mihir Ahuja has steadily carved a niche for himself with performances across films and streaming projects, but his latest role has given him an experience few actors get to live. In Operation Safed Sagar, the actor plays Flying Officer C.H. Bal Reddy, an Indian Air Force officer whose story is rooted in real events. From wearing the uniform to shooting at actual Air Force stations and sitting inside a MiG-21 cockpit, the role offered Mihir the rare opportunity to step into the world of those who serve the country.

For Mihir, however, playing an Air Force officer was not just about the scale of the project or the thrill of being around fighter jets. Meeting real officers during the making of the series also changed...