Shahid flight adds drama to air show

But the much-hyped Shahid Kapoor flight on the F-16 had to tide over high drama, triggered by a Lockheed Martin plain-clothed security person’s haughty remark on the media. Awaiting the star’s arrival on the tarmac, the big media contingent couldn’t digest the condescending statement and threatened an event boycott. The action was about to begin.

The heat was really on the actor. Eventually, Shahid appeared, worked his characteristic charisma on the media and all seemed well. The security man apologised and beat a hasty retreat.

Exhilarating ride
Before the sun set on the air show’s penultimate day, Shahid had endured the Super Viper’s twists and turns, loops and Gs. “It was an exhilarating ride. When the aircraft took off, I felt the excitement get me. It was a dream come true, indeed,” he gushed, and thanked the pilot for communicating throughout the dramatic flight.

Dad Pankaj Kapoor by his side, Shahid talked about “Mausam,” where he plays an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer. “The idea was to get a first-hand experience of flying on a fighter aircraft. Dad wanted it from an IAF base. Thanks to Lockheed Martin, I have had the privilege of becoming the first actor to fly the F-16. Such an opportunity doesn’t come by as a civilian,” he told the media. For Kapoor, it was a momentous realisation of a childhood ambition. “Flying is beautiful. Being a pilot is every child’s fantasy. You get the I-own-the-world feeling up there. Gives you that sense of total freedom,” quipped the “Kaminey” star. But was he scared, did he hesitate before taking that F-16 plunge, was it risky? “When dad gives you instructions, how can you say no? Yes, there was some anxiety, but the excitement was much more.” To be safe, he had to clear all the pre-flight medical tests and do the simulator grind. In the end, the only person he missed was his “Mausam” heroine, Sonam Kapoor, who was far away in New Zealand.