Jimmy Shergill, Siddharth on shooting Operation Safed Sagar at 13000 feet: 'We were breathless'

Altitude took a toll on the cast

Shooting a war drama at 13,000 feet is not for the faint-hearted. Actors Jimmy Shergill and Siddharth, who lead the upcoming web series 'Operation Safed Sagar', have opened up about the gruelling conditions they faced while filming at such extreme altitudes.

In an exclusive conversation, the duo revealed that the lack of oxygen was the biggest challenge. 'We were breathless most of the time,' Jimmy said. 'Even a simple dialogue delivery would leave us panting. The body takes time to adjust, but we didn't have that luxury with the shooting schedule.'

Siddharth's initial hesitation

Siddharth, known for his work in Tamil and Hindi cinema, admitted he was hesitant to sign the project at first. 'I didn't want to do injustice to the story or the real heroes,' he said. 'It took a lot of convincing from the director and the team to make me believe I could pull it off.'

The actor also broke down during a special screening when a Kargil martyr's wife thanked the team for telling the story accurately. 'Moments like that remind you why this project matters,' he added.

Exclusive details from the set

Jimmy Shergill, who plays a commanding officer in the series, described the terrain as 'unforgiving'. 'We had to carry heavy gear and walk uphill multiple times a day. The crew struggled to keep equipment running because of the cold and low pressure,' he said.

The web series, directed by a team that consulted several war veterans, aims to depict the Indian Air Force's Operation Safed Sagar during the 1999 Kargil conflict. The trailer, released recently, shows intense aerial combat and ground action.

Physical and emotional preparation

Both actors underwent rigorous training before the shoot. Siddharth said he spent weeks learning the correct way to handle weapons and military protocols. 'You cannot fake that stuff on screen. The audience will know,' he said.

The production team also had medical staff on standby at all times. 'We had oxygen cylinders and doctors nearby,' Jimmy Shergill revealed. 'Even then, there were days when we had to stop shooting because someone felt unwell.'

What comes next

Operation Safed Sagar is expected to stream later this year on a leading platform. The makers are yet to announce the exact release date, but the trailer has already generated significant buzz.

With war dramas becoming a staple in Indian OTT content, the series will have to stand out through its authenticity. Early reactions suggest the cast's commitment to realism could pay off.