Abhay Verma on 'Operation Safed Sagar': Food and art unite people
Synopsis
Abhay Verma, playing a real Kargil War air force officer in 'Operation Safed Sagar', says food and music are the greatest unifiers — and that even A. R. Rahman's name alone can move 10,000 people. A rare candid window into the actor's off-screen philosophy.
Key Takeaways
Abhay Verma plays Wing Commander Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal in the streaming series 'Operation Safed Sagar' .
He says food and art — especially music — are the most powerful forces for bringing people together.
Rahman as an example of how music can mobilise thousands spontaneously.
He describes himself as an introvert who becomes highly energetic once comfortable with people. 'Operation Safed Sagar' is based on the 1999 Kargil War operation — the first large-scale use of airpower in Jammu and Kashmir since 1971 .
Actor Abhay Verma, who portrays Wing Commander Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal in the streaming series 'Operation Safed Sagar', says food and art are the most powerful forces for bringing people together — a belief he connects to his own personality and creative journey.
Food, Music, and the Power of Togetherness
Speaking after the show's release, Verma reflected on what he sees as universal connectors. 'I think food is really something that puts people together. I also believe that art and music do the same,' he said. 'It is very difficult to arrange 10,000 people just like that in a place but if you say there's A. R. Rahman sir performing, you see people will run to the show.'
He placed music at the top of the artistic hierarchy in terms of its unifying potential. 'Music is something which I really put on the top category in terms of art which can bring a lot of people together. I say it because it makes you feel united. I also really strongly believe that together we achieve more. So that's what music does and that's the purpose of art, to keep people happy,' Verma added.
The Introvert Who Opens Up
Verma also offered a candid self-portrait, describing himself as someone who starts out reserved but transforms once comfortable. 'I would describe myself first as an introvert. But if I'm comfortable, I don't think there's any extrovert who can match up to my energy,' he said. He noted that he is deliberate about social interactions, careful not to let his playful side come across as overstepping. 'I just keep my ground till I feel comfortable with them,' he explained.
About 'Operation Safed Sagar'
'Operation Safed Sagar' is based on the real-life combined arms operation of the same name, in which the Indian Air Force, supported by elements of the Indian Army, worked to flush out regular and irregular troops of the Pakistani Army from vacated Indian positions in the Kargil sector along the Line of Control during the 1999 Kargil War. Notably, it marked the first large-scale use of airpower in the Jammu and Kashmir region since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
With the show now streaming, Verma's portrayal of a real-world air force officer adds another layer to his growing body of work — and his reflections on food, music, and human connection offer a glimpse into the sensibility he brings to the role.
Point of View
Named military officer in a war dramatisation is also, inevitably, a brand ambassador for that narrative. His talk of unity and togetherness aligns neatly with the patriotic register of the show. That is not a criticism — but it is context. The more interesting thread is his self-described introversion: in an industry that rewards performative extroversion, actors who openly claim the introvert label are still relatively rare, and it shapes how audiences read their on-screen restraint.
NationPress
30 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Abhay Verma play in 'Operation Safed Sagar'?
Abhay Verma plays Wing Commander Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal in the streaming series 'Operation Safed Sagar'. The character is drawn from the real Indian Air Force operation conducted during the 1999 Kargil War.
What is 'Operation Safed Sagar' about?
'Operation Safed Sagar' is a streaming series based on the real combined arms operation of the same name, in which the Indian Air Force and Indian Army worked to recapture Indian positions in the Kargil sector from Pakistani troops in 1999. It was the first large-scale use of airpower in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.
What did Abhay Verma say about food and music?
Verma said food and music are among the strongest forces for uniting people. He pointed to A. R. Rahman as an example, noting that the mere announcement of a Rahman concert can draw thousands — something few other things can achieve.
How does Abhay Verma describe his own personality?
Verma describes himself as an introvert who becomes highly energetic once he feels comfortable. He says he is cautious in early interactions, not wanting his playful side to be misread as overstepping.
