Hrithik Roshan has been basking in raving reviews for his performance in Siddharth Anand's Fighter. The Actor, who aced the character of Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania aka Patty, shared exciting behind-the-scenes footage introducing audiences to everything that went into Hrithik becoming a Fighter Jet Pilot onscreen.
The video titled 'Meet Patty' gives glimpses into the prep and learnings Hrithik went through to get into the skin of his onscreen character - Patty. In the video, Hrithik is seen learning the steps of climbing onto the cockpit of the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. He is also seen undertaking simulation training and practising manoeuvres. The actor who shot at real locations of Tezpur Air base in Assam and Hyderabad's Dundigal Air Force Academy, is also seen interacting with Indian Air Force personnel and locals.
Sharing the video, Hrithik Roshan wrote, "Meet Patty - A #Fighter Pilot whose only allegiance is to his country. The sky is his playground, and his Sukhoi’s cockpit is his home. A fierce leader, an unwavering friend and an enemy to be feared. But most of all, he's a Fighter Forever "
Describing the character of Patty, producer-director Siddharth Anand said, "I think Patty is a fiercely patriotic soldier, puts his country before everything else, before personal ego, his relationships, and that is why he is so lovable."
Talking about casting Hrithik Roshan in Fighter, producer Ajit Andhare of Viacom18 Studios shared, "When you think of who you will put into the cockpit of an Indian fighter jet, there are not very many names that comes to your mind, so i think it was almost a no brainer to see Hrithik in the Cockpit behind those aviators, behind those instrumental panels."
Detailing Hrithik's prep for the character, co-producer Ramon Chibb said, "Hrithik has been really sincere because he's been talking to a lot of them (Real Fighter jet pilots), attending briefings, real actual live machinery feels, flying the simulator, learning how to sit in the cockpit, handling controls, giving commands."
Speaking about Hrithik Roshan - the actor, co-star Anil Kapoor added, "He's very generous as a person, as a human being. That's the reason I connected with him.. he's very hardworking, he's very sincere, he's very committed. He has got a phenomenal presence, a presence which is God-given. In a way, I'm his commanding officer..the whole thing, the kind of respect he has..when he's speaking to me, not being disrespectful...it takes a lot for a huge star to stand in one frame and do that."
Reminiscing about their first onscreen collaboration with Fighter, co-star Deepika Padukone shared, "We all know this person Hrithik Roshan on-screen, but I think to actually work with him, to see how he functions, to see his process is very fascinating. He's extremely focused because he's such a perfectionist, and he wants to get everything right and perfect."
The BTS video also gives insights into the offscreen bond Hrithik shared with co-stars Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi. Siddharth Anand's Fighter, that released on the eve of India's 75th Republic Day is a tribute to the Indian Air Force.
Fighter has emerged to be the first film of 2024 to collect 300 crores worldwide. Produced by Viacom18 Studios and Marflix Pictures, Fighter marks to be Siddharth Anand's first venture as a producer alongside Mamta Anand.
