The first Bollywood actor to fly a combat aircraft in India, Shahid Kapoor took off from the runway on Saturday amidst, as he himself confessed, much anxiety. Clad in a smart green pilot’s suit and aviators, the actor was fulfilling the dream of every boy who wants to be a pilot, even if it was for just a couple of hours.
“There is anxiety, yes, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the fear is simply overcome by the excitement,” he said before he was prepared for take-off. He added, “Flying on this aircraft is primarily for me to get a first-hand experience of being an Air Force pilot for my forthcoming film Mausam. It is a very prestigious opportunity for me and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. My father, who is also the director of the film, was keen on me gaining this perspective and made it happen after a rigorous process. It is, after all, very difficult to refuse one’s dad.”
Time on the simulator was part of the pre-flight programme that included a sim-sortie which helped the actor get comfortable with the atmosphere and controls within the aircraft. After thorough preparation, including physical and medical fitness tests, the actor was looking forward to getting on the F-16 with US pilot Paul “Bear” Randell and feeling real cool about it.