Abhishek Anil Kapur Directs Akshay Kumar in Debut Venture, Sky Force
Abhishek Anil Kapur, co-director of *Sky Force*, had the unique opportunity to direct Akshay Kumar in his debut project. Interestingly, this wasn’t their first collaboration.
A Past Collaboration with Akshay Kumar
Abhishek had previously worked as an assistant on *Sarfira* (2024), which also featured Akshay Kumar. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Abhishek shared insights into his relationship with Akshay and his experience working with the other male lead of *Sky Force*, Veer Pahariya.
Abhishek Talks About Working with Akshay and Veer
Abhishek began by reflecting on his experience working with Sudha Kongara on *Sarfira*, calling her a brilliant director. He praised Akshay for his versatility, mentioning his ability to perform in various genres, from *Sky Force* to *Airlift* and *Hera Pheri*. He explained that while directors often prefer to build a personal rapport with actors, Sudha Kongara allowed him to have a similar connection with Akshay. This helped Abhishek develop a bond with the actor, and they began discussing creative aspects of filmmaking on set, which eventually led to the opportunity to direct *Sky Force*.
Akshay Kumar Smokes Herbal Cigarettes for Authenticity in Sky Force
While Akshay Kumar is a well-known anti-smoking advocate, he is seen smoking in *Sky Force*, which raised questions. Abhishek clarified that the film aimed for authenticity, especially since smoking was prevalent among Air Force officials in the 1960s. He explained that Akshay agreed to smoke for the role, as it helped portray his character lost in thought during certain scenes. However, Abhishek emphasized that Akshay, being health-conscious, smoked herbal cigarettes with no nicotine, rather than tobacco. He mentioned that neither he nor Akshay smokes and chose herbal cigarettes to avoid any harm while maintaining the film’s authenticity.
Abhishek Praises Veer Pahariya’s Passion and Dedication
Abhishek also spoke highly of Veer Pahariya, the debutant actor playing Tabby in *Sky Force*. He recounted how he first met Veer during the making of *Bhediya* (2022), where Veer expressed his desire to act. Producer Dinesh Vijan had Veer work as an intern on the *Bhediya* set, which gave Abhishek confidence in his passion for acting. Abhishek noted that Veer was eager to do every task on set, proving his commitment to the craft.
Veer Pahariya’s Casting in Sky Force
When casting for *Sky Force*, Abhishek and the team were determined to cast a newcomer for the role of Tabby, as they wanted the character to be fresh and beloved by the audience. Abhishek explained that a seasoned actor would not have had the same impact, and today, audiences recognize Veer as Tabby rather than his real name. This, he believes, would not have been possible with a well-known actor.
Veer’s Extensive Training and Auditions
Abhishek concluded by explaining that Veer went through an intense audition process, including multiple rounds of training at an airbase in Pune. After six months of preparation and further tests with a pilot, Abhishek and the team were finally convinced that Veer was ready for the role.
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