Ten years ago, ‘Airlift’ didn’t just release – it resurrected a pivotal slice of Indian history from obscurity. This Akshay Kumar-led blockbuster, co-starring Nimrat Kaur, chronicles the daring 1990 rescue of 170,000 compatriots from Kuwait’s warzone, sparked by Iraq’s invasion.
Actress Nimrat Kaur commemorated the anniversary on Instagram, flooding feeds with throwback set snaps. ‘Ten years since this magic hit screens. Music, memories, and love only deepen over time,’ she wrote, stirring nostalgia and renewed appreciation for the film’s impact.
The real drama unfolded in 1990 when Saddam Hussein’s forces overran Kuwait, igniting the Gulf War. Indians, forming a massive expatriate community, were caught unprepared. Airports shuttered, borders sealed, and atrocities mounted as refugees fled on foot.
India’s response was swift and staggering: Air India mobilized its fleet, flying non-stop missions under constant threat. Supported by the military and embassy teams, they evacuated citizens in record time – 59 days of precision logistics that set a global benchmark, certified by Guinness.
Fictionalized through Ranjit Katyal’s eyes (Akshay Kumar), the story humanizes the scale. A prosperous NRI with wife Amrita (Nimrat Kaur) and daughter, Ranjit starts indifferent to the chaos. But witnessing horrors, including his driver’s execution, ignites his fight.
He becomes a one-man army: forging alliances, securing permissions, and managing panicked crowds. The film excels in its cinematic flair – explosive action sequences contrast intimate family moments, underscoring sacrifice.
Beyond stars, ‘Airlift’ spotlights real heroes: pilots dodging missiles, crew enduring 18-hour shifts, diplomats in hostile territories. Its box-office success and awards cemented its legacy, blending education with edge-of-seat thrills.
On this decade milestone, ‘Airlift’ prompts reflection. It honors forgotten foot soldiers of diplomacy and reminds us that history’s lessons – vigilance, solidarity – are eternal. Kaur’s tribute proves: true stories endure, inspiring forever.