The last flight of the MiG-21 a formidable name in the pantheon of fighter aircraft over Bikaner’s Nal Air Force Station, took place with a certain flourish. Below, cameras rolled, capturing the epic moment for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s forthcoming film Love and War.
The affair morphed into a cinematic extravaganza worthy of the occasion, with the runway lined with vanity vans and film crews all waiting to capture every frame. With retirement due next month, the aircraft not only became part of India’s military heritage but also an active character in a Bollywood love story unfolding before the camera.
One of the greatest magnum opuses of Sanjay Leela Bhansali Love & War has made serious waves even as it was unveiled.
Recently, a short video from the film’s shooting went online, starting a serious buzz amongst fans. Shot by random people passing by it captures an intense chase sequence in the desert, which really hints at Bhansali’s flair for high-stakes drama.
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Sixty Years of Supersonic Glory History
Launched as a rocket with wings, the MiG-21 has been the principal backbone of aerial defense for India since early 1960. The illustrious operational history of the bird has been studded with gallant moments, but the most glorious remained the 1971 war.
The MiG-21 airstrike on the Governor’s residence in Dhaka is remembered as a watershed moment, hastening the liberation of Bangladesh. Earlier this month, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh went solo, just to pay tribute to the legendary supersononic lady in high esteem by the IAF even today. A last glimpse of the MiG-21, soaring over Bikaner, was for its chief adoring fans and Indian pilots: an end to an era of speed, grit and endurance that defined the heavens of India.
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Love and War: Blending History with Art
Bhansali’s Love and War sees Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in what is touted to be a passionate tale love amidst war. While the details of the plot remain hush-hush, speculations link it to Raj Kapoor’s classic Sangam, which, too, revolved around a love triangle involving Indian Air Force officers.
Although the maker has rubbished the talk about a remake, the choice of Rajasthan’s air base for shooting has stirred all sorts of curiosities. The MiG-21 farewell appearance in the movie gives a unique authenticity that knits actual history with movie mythology. Set to release on March 20, 2026, the movie has acquired an extra emotional weight immortalizing the MiG-21’s swansong on celluloid for posterity.
