Mahesh Shetty, renowned for his captivating performances, recently shared insights into his journey while filming Siddharth Anand’s adrenaline-pumping thriller, ‘Fighter.’ Portraying Squadron Leader Rajan Unninathan alongside Hrithik Roshan’s character, Patty, Shetty’s portrayal resonated deeply with audiences. Alongside stars Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, he immersed himself in the role, pushing boundaries both on and off-screen.
Reflecting on the grueling shoot, Shetty revealed the challenges the cast faced, including enduring freezing temperatures and immersing themselves in Air Force life. “A significant portion of the film was shot at one of India’s largest air bases, where we lived and breathed alongside real Air Force officers,” Shetty recounted. Cut off from the outside world and stripped of their mobile phones for security reasons, the cast delved into their roles with unwavering dedication. However, the serene weather at the air base was starkly contrasted by the harsh conditions encountered in Kashmir. “With temperatures plummeting to -2 degrees and heavy snowfall, filming snow fights and bike scenes was a test of endurance,” Shetty remarked, emphasizing the demanding nature of shooting in such extreme environments.
Preparing for their roles demanded a rigorous regime, including flight simulations and intense boot camps orchestrated by director Siddharth Anand. Shetty elaborated on their preparations, mentioning interactions with officers to grasp the intricacies of fighter jets and extensive reading to familiarize themselves with crucial details. On set, guidance from real-life officer Raymon enhanced the authenticity of their performances. Additionally, Shetty’s dedication led him to immerse himself further by attending NSG boot camps, gaining invaluable insights into the life of a uniformed officer.
As Shetty continues to captivate audiences, he’s currently immersed in his upcoming project, ‘Kan Khajura,’ an adaptation of the Israeli show ‘Magpie,’ alongside Mohit Raina and Roshan Mathew. With each role, Shetty continues to push boundaries and carve a niche for himself in the dynamic landscape of Indian cinema.
