{
  "id": 1287585,
  "title": "‘We were the last ones’: Abhay Verma on stepping into a MiG-21 for Operation Safed Sagar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/we-were-the-last-ones-abhay-verma-on-stepping-into-a-mig-21-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T14:28:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/abhay-verma-on-stepping-into-mig-21-operation-safed-sagar-last-ones-jimmy-shergill-10835802/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Actor Abhay Verma, who plays Flying Officer Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal in the Netflix series Operation Safed Sagar, revealed that the experience gave him the chance to witness aspects of India he'd never seen before. He admitted that the show opened his eyes to the country's beauty, as he had never encountered snow or extreme heat prior to shooting. The series was filmed in Bikaner, Rajasthan, where temperatures soared, and at an Air Force base, where he experienced both scorching heat and freezing cold. The actors recounted the challenges of filming, including the grueling two-hour commute to some sets situated atop mountainous terrains, reaching altitudes of 16,000-17,000 feet. Makeup artist for Jimmy Shergill, who portrayed Wing Commander BS Tony Dhanoa, quit during the shoot due to the harsh conditions. Despite the hardships, Abhay expressed sadness at the show's conclusion, acknowledging that the experience would remain unforgettable.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}