Mumbai, India – As the release of “Sky Force” draws near, actor Veer Pahariya has been sharing insights into his experiences filming alongside Bollywood veteran Akshay Kumar. Pahariya, making his debut in the action-packed film, revealed the intense fitness regime he undertook, inspired by Kumar’s unwavering dedication. The movie, set to hit theaters on January 24, 2025, is already generating significant buzz.
Training with a Fitness Icon
Pahariya detailed his rigorous workouts, emphasizing the influence of Akshay Kumar’s fitness ethic. He recounted working out alongside Kumar, describing the veteran actor’s daily routine of 108 pull-ups, 108 push-ups, and 108 dips, often ending with the mantra, “Let’s do one more.” Pahariya was clearly impressed with Kumar’s dedication, stating that the senior actor could outmatch a 20-year-old in terms of fitness. He mentioned having “amazing videos” of their workout sessions together.
The young actor also admitted that he pushed himself to match Kumar’s fitness level. He aimed to achieve muscle-ups and 50 kg pull-ups, inspired by Kumar’s fitness prowess. This experience has reportedly given Pahariya the feeling that he’s “gained experience of 4-5 films in one.”
Beyond the Gym: Stunt Training and Skydiving
Pahariya’s preparation for “Sky Force” extended beyond traditional gym workouts. He undertook a variety of extreme physical activities, including stunt plane training and skydiving. He explained that he wanted to overcome any fear or hesitation he might have had regarding action sequences, stating, “I have done skydiving, I jumped into the sea, I have done everything for this.” This diverse training approach, involving real-world scenarios and obstacles, is said to promote holistic fitness by developing strength, agility, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.
Akshay Kumar’s Fitness Philosophy
Akshay Kumar is known for his disciplined lifestyle and rigorous fitness routine. His day begins as early as 4:30 AM, with a quick run and warm-up by the beach. Kumar incorporates a variety of workouts into his routine, including martial arts, strength training, swimming, parkour, kickboxing, and even yoga and meditation. He is known to avoid fad diets and prefers homemade food.
Kumar emphasizes the importance of finding what works best for an individual and maintaining a diverse workout regime. He doesn’t believe in adhering to a single exercise form and incorporates a variety of old-school exercises. In addition to his physical workouts, he also maintains a strict sleep schedule, waking up before sunrise and having his last meal before sunset.
Sky Force: A Tribute to Real-Life Heroes
“Sky Force” is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language action drama about India’s retaliatory attack on the Sargodha airbase of Pakistan during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani war. The film is directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani. It stars Akshay Kumar as Wing Commander K.O. Ahuja, a fictionalized version of O.P. Taneja, and Veer Pahariya as T. Vijaya, a fictionalized version of Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya. Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur also star in key roles.
Pahariya has expressed his honor in portraying a real-life hero, Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya. He described it as a “very big challenge and opportunity,” highlighting the significance of showcasing the bravery of an unsung hero. He also spoke of the emotional experience of meeting Devayya’s family and connecting with their stories. The film is intended as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Air Force.
The film was initially scheduled to release on October 2, 2024, but is now set for a theatrical release on January 24, 2025, coinciding with Republic Day. It is produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under Maddock Films, and Jyoti Deshpande under Jio Studios.
High Expectations for Sky Force
“Sky Force” is highly anticipated, marking Veer Pahariya’s debut and featuring Akshay Kumar in a patriotic role. The film is expected to be a major release and a possible hit after a series of recent flops for some of those involved. The trailer has already generated excitement among fans.
The movie’s plot revolves around India’s first airstrike during the 1965 war, which provides a backdrop for thrilling aerial combat scenes and an emotional narrative. The film not only showcases action but also the emotional and human side of war, making it a poignant tribute to the real heroes.
A Promising Start
“Sky Force” has already made a confident start with advance booking sales of approximately 1.8 million rupees. The film is being distributed overseas by Moviegoers Entertainment and Phars Film. The producers and cast have been actively promoting the film, which promises to be an action-packed and patriotic cinematic experience.
The movie also stars Danny Denzongpa as the General of Pakistan and Rana Daggubati. The music for the film is composed by G.V. Prakash Kumar.
Expert Perspective on Training
Fitness trainer Garima Goyal notes that the diverse training methods used by the actors are designed to go beyond traditional routines, encouraging broader skill development such as strength, agility, problem-solving, and adaptability. She explained that such diverse and challenging training, often involving real-world scenarios and obstacles, promotes holistic fitness by developing strength, agility, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. These exercises mimic real-life movements, engaging multiple muscle groups. However, proper form and technique are crucial to ensure safety and prevent injuries.
