He successfully executed four operational night missions during Operation Safed Sagar, earning the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry.
Actors Abhay Verma (L) and Taaruk Raina in a still from Operation Safed Sagar.
The supporting cast of Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story features a strong ensemble portraying key Indian political, civilian, and military-family figures during the conflict.
Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story is currently streaming on Netflix.
Operation Safed Sagar is available for streaming on Netflix.
Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story, released on August 7, 2026, brings the high-altitude combat of the 1999 Kargil War to life through the historic journey of No 17 Squadron, famously known as the Golden Arrows. Directed by Oni Sen and created by Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava, the six-episode series features actors Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Abhay Verma, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin, and Adil Hussain in key roles.
The aerial-action series delivers a gripping screen dramatisation. However, its true heart lies in the real military history it honours - spotlighting the courage, supreme sacrifice, and tactical brilliance of the Indian Air Force (IAF) officers whose daring air operations at 18,000 feet turned the tide of the conflict.
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Here is a closer look at the real-life IAF heroes behind the central characters of the show.
Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja
Actor Siddharth portrays Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, who served as the Flight Commander of the Golden Arrows during the Kargil War. Ahuja became one of the most revered IAF officers following a heroic mission on May 27, 1999. Flying a MiG-21 while attempting to locate a missing fellow pilot, his aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile. Although he successfully ejected, he was captured and killed behind enemy lines. Posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra, his sacrifice remains a defining chapter of Indian military history. Actor Siddharth plays Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, who became one of the most revered Indian Air Force (IAF) officers during the 1999 Kargil War. (Credit: Netflix)
Wing Commander BS "Tony" Dhanoa
Actor Jimmy Shergill essays the role of Wing Commander Birender Singh "Tony" Dhanoa, who commanded the No. 17 Squadron during the Kargil conflict. As fighting escalated in 1999, Dhanoa strategically relocated the squadron to Srinagar to conduct high-stakes reconnaissance and strike missions over Tiger Hill and Tololing. Honoured with the Yudh Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal for his wartime leadership, he eventually rose to become the Chief of the Air Staff in 2016 before retiring as Air Chief Marshal in 2019. Actor Jimmy Shergill portrays Wing Commander Birender Singh "Tony", who was honoured with the Yudh Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal for his wartime leadership. (Credit: Netflix)
Flying Officer Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal aka "Dhali"
Actor Abhay Verma steps into the shoes of Flying Officer Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal (call sign "Dhali"). Despite having only about 46 hours of night-flying experience and no formal background in specialised night strikes, Dhaliwal volunteered to demand air operations over enemy strongholds. He successfully executed four operational night missions during Operation Safed Sagar, earning the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry. He later joined the elite Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team as a Wing Commander before tragically losing his life in an aircraft accident in 2009. Actor Abhay Verma plays Flying Officer Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal (call sign "Dhali"), known for successfully executing four operational night missions during Operation Safed Sagar. (Credit: Netflix)
Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy “Baldy”
Actor Mihir Ahuja portrays Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy, affectionately called "Baldy". Initially tasked with administrative responsibilities and manning the Operational Readiness Platform at Bathinda when the war broke out, Reddy later joined the squadron on the frontlines in Srinagar. His life became inextricably linked with Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja’s story, as he was among the key officers tasked with identifying Ahuja's body when it was returned to the base. Actor Mihir Ahuja portrays Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy, who played a key role in Operation Safed Sagar. (Credit: Netflix)
Flight Lieutenant Jitendra "Sangy" Sangwan
Actor Taaruk Raina plays Flight Lieutenant Jitendra "Sangy" Sangwan. Commissioned into the fighter stream in June 1995, Sangwan’s early career was forged in the trial by fire over the icy peaks of Kargil. His character in the series mirrors the grit and resilience of the young generation of fighter pilots who operated in unprecedented combat conditions. Sangwan continued his distinguished service with the IAF, eventually attaining the rank of Wing Commander. Actors Abhay Verma (L) and Taaruk Raina in a still from Operation Safed Sagar. (Credit: Netflix)
Air Marshal Vinod Patney
Veteran actor Adil Hussain portrays Air Marshal Vinod Patney, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, VrC. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1961, Patney brought invaluable combat experience to Operation Safed Sagar, having previously served in both the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars — earning a Vir Chakra for his gallantry during the 1965 conflict. As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command during the Kargil conflict, his strategic planning was instrumental in integrating air power into high-altitude warfare.
The supporting cast of Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story features a strong ensemble portraying key Indian political, civilian, and military-family figures during the conflict. Veteran actor Aanjjan Srivastav plays Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with veteran actor Anant Mahadevan stepping into the role of External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh to anchor the political backdrop of 1999.
On the home front, actor Amrita Bagchi delivers an emotional performance as Alka Ahuja, the wife of Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, while actor Dia Mirza plays Kamalpreet Dhanoa and actor Prajakta Koli portrays Madhavi Reddy, highlighting the personal sacrifices of the families behind the frontline aviators.
On the diplomatic and geopolitical front, the series depicts the high-stakes decisions within the Pakistani hierarchy and the international arena during the 47-day war. Vinay Pathak plays Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, alongside SM Zaheer as Muhammad Sharif.
A major highlight of the political narrative is actor Manu Rishi Chadha’s portrayal of General Pervez Musharraf. Chadha steps into the pivotal role of the Pakistani Army Chief, capturing the strategic maneuvers and high-stakes tension behind enemy lines during the conflict.
The rest of Pakistan's military leadership is portrayed by Mohan Kapur (Lt General Aziz Khan), Chetanya Adib (Lt General Mahmud Ahmed), Narendra Sachar (Lt General Ziauddin Butt), Danish Husain (Major General Javed Hassan), Raj Vasudeva (Major General Iftikhar Choudhury), and Pawan Chopra (Major General Tauqir Zia).
Adding international weight to the geopolitical drama, Mark Bennington steps in as US President Bill Clinton, depicting the crucial diplomatic intervention during the Kargil War.
Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story is currently streaming on Netflix.
Operation Safed Sagar is available for streaming on Netflix.
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