Mihir Ahuja on playing Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy in 'Operation Safed Sagar'
Synopsis
Mihir Ahuja did not just play a Kargil War hero — he earned the real one's trust. The actor behind Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy's callsign Baldi reveals that the veteran has saved his number under that name, a detail that captures how deeply Netflix's Operation Safed Sagar has resonated beyond the screen.
Key Takeaways
Mihir Ahuja portrays real-life Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy , callsign Baldi , in Netflix's Operation Safed Sagar .
Preparation involved mastering Air Force posture — including the salute and walk — and the character's emotional arc.
The series was shot at real Air Force locations , adding authenticity to the production.
CH Bal Reddy , who served during the Kargil War , reportedly has Ahuja's number saved as Baldi .
The series premiered on Netflix on 7 August 2026 , directed by Oni Sen .
Actor Mihir Ahuja has spoken candidly about the demands of portraying real-life Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy — callsign Baldi — in the Netflix war drama series Operation Safed Sagar, which premiered on 7 August 2026. From nailing Air Force posture to navigating the character's emotional arc, Ahuja described the role as one of the most rewarding and challenging of his career.
The Physical and Emotional Preparation
Ahuja said the first hurdle was physical. 'I would say it was a mix of everything. For us, the first challenge was getting the Air Force posture right — the salute, the walk and everything else,' he said. Getting those details correct was non-negotiable for a character drawn from a real, living veteran.
Beyond the physicality, Ahuja found the emotional dimension equally demanding. 'Understanding the emotional arc of Baldi sir with Madhavi was a little challenging to crack,' he noted. The character also carried a distinct narrative track that set him apart from others in the ensemble — making the role both complex and creatively stimulating.
A Bond With the Real Baldi Sir
What has made the experience especially meaningful for Ahuja is his ongoing relationship with the officer he portrayed. CH Bal Reddy, who played an integral role in the Kargil War, has reportedly stayed in touch with the actor since the series went into production.
'He has even saved my number on his phone as Baldi, which is beautiful for me. It is a great feeling because he is a real hero. He gives us so much respect by watching our performance, and that is a wonderful feeling for all of us,' Ahuja said.
Shooting at real Air Force locations added another layer of authenticity to the experience. Ahuja described the access as a particularly fortunate opportunity for any actor.
About the Series
Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story of the Kargil War is created by Kushal Srivastava and Abhijeet Singh Parmar, and directed by Oni Sen. The series features a cast that includes Jimmy Shergill, Siddharth, Vinay Pathak, Manu Rishi Chadha, and Abhay Verma, among others. It premiered on Netflix on 7 August 2026.
As audience response continues to build, Ahuja said the reception has been extremely fulfilling — a sentiment that appears to be shared by the veteran whose story the series tells.
Point of View
And the casting of a younger actor against a heavyweight ensemble is a deliberate creative bet. Whether the series translates critical goodwill into sustained viewership that shapes Netflix India's content slate will be worth watching.
NationPress
30 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mihir Ahuja playing in Operation Safed Sagar?
Mihir Ahuja plays Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy, known by his callsign Baldi, a real-life Indian Air Force officer who served during the Kargil War. The role required Ahuja to study Air Force mannerisms and build a personal rapport with the veteran himself.
What were the biggest challenges Mihir Ahuja faced for this role?
Ahuja cited two main challenges: mastering the physical bearing of an Air Force officer — including the salute and walk — and understanding the emotional arc of his character's relationship with Madhavi. The character's distinct narrative track within the ensemble also added complexity.
When did Operation Safed Sagar premiere on Netflix?
Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story of the Kargil War premiered on Netflix on 7 August 2026. It is directed by Oni Sen and created by Kushal Srivastava and Abhijeet Singh Parmar.
Who else stars in Operation Safed Sagar?
The series features Jimmy Shergill, Siddharth, Vinay Pathak, Manu Rishi Chadha, and Abhay Verma, among others, alongside Mihir Ahuja.
Does the real Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy approve of his portrayal?
According to Ahuja, CH Bal Reddy has been supportive and remains in contact with him, reportedly saving his number under the callsign Baldi. Ahuja described the veteran's respect for the cast's performance as a wonderful feeling.
