Is Lara Dutta Proud of Her Aviator Heritage?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lara Dutta celebrates her aviator heritage on the 93rd Indian Air Force Day.
- Her grandfather was a pioneering pilot for British Airways.
- Her father was a gallantry award winner for his valor during wars.
- Her sister is among the first female helicopter pilots in the IAF.
- Lara honors the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces.
Mumbai, Oct 8 (NationPress) Actress Lara Dutta expresses her immense pride in hailing from a lineage of aviators. In honor of the 93rd Indian Air Force Day on Wednesday, the former Miss Universe shared reflections on her distinguished family legacy, which began with her grandfather, Chandra Kishore Dutta, who served as a pilot for the British Overseas Airways Corporation.
Lara emphasized her pride in her heritage through a post on her official Instagram, stating, "I grew up in a family of aviators… My grandfather Chandra Kishore Dutta was a pilot for the British Overseas Airways Corporation, which eventually evolved into British Airways. (sic)"
Following her grandfather's footsteps, her father, L. K Dutta, also pursued aviation.
"My father Wg. Cdr L. K Dutta (Retd), was a recipient of the Vayu Sena (Bar) gallantry award, earning his honors for his valiant efforts during the 1965 and 1971 wars," she shared.
Most recently, Lara's sister, Cheryl Dutta, made headlines as part of the inaugural group of female helicopter pilots commissioned into the Indian Air Force.
"Continuing the family legacy, my sister, Sqn Ldr Cheryl Dutta was part of the first batch of women helicopter pilots commissioned into the Indian Air Force..." Lara wrote.
In a heartfelt tribute, Lara shared a photo collage featuring her family and concluded, "They say flying runs in the blood. Nothing can separate my identity from that of being an Indian Armed Forces kid. On this 93rd Indian Air Force Day 2025, I salute the courageous air warriors who safeguard our skies and serve the nation with pride and honor."
Lara's father passed away on May 31 at the age of 84. Remembering him, she penned a touching message on social media, revealing how he approached his illness with the bravery of a true soldier.
"My wonderful, brave, fighter of a father, went quietly into the good night on the 31st of May... He battled an illness that wore him down in his final months... He endured pain with the stoicism of a battle-hardened soldier and displayed a courage that often defied logic... He challenged my perceptions of physical decline and inevitability..." the 'Chalo Dilli' actress reflected.