Bikaner, Aug 26 (PTI) - On the sunlit tarmac of Bikaner Nal Air Force Station, a cinematic scene unfolded. Vanity vans lined the runway while a film crew, aligned with precision, aimed their lenses skyward to capture the formidable MiG-21 jets slicing through the air for one last time, in a scene crafted for the upcoming Bollywood film "Love And War." The film, helmed by the renowned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, sees the airbase transformed into a dramatic set where the iconic MiG-21 plays a critical role. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, the movie is rumored to weave a tale of a love triangle amidst the chaos of war. These formidable jets, once dubbed "rockets with wings," have long been stalwarts of the Indian Air Force. They made their farewell operational flights on August 18 and 19 at the same airstrip in Bikaner, marking a poignant end to their storied service ahead of a formal retirement on September 26 in Chandigarh. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh marked this historic occasion by flying solo sorties on the aging jets, marking the twilight of a six-decade legacy with the MiG-21. "It's an amazing aircraft to fly, very agile and maneuverable, and it has been the workhorse of the IAF since the 1960s. But now it is time to move on to newer platforms like the Tejas and Rafale," he reflected. Echoing the sentiment, Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, IAF spokesperson, highlighted the MiG-21's legendary contributions in past conflicts, notably its pivotal role in the December 14, 1971 attack on the Governor's residence in Dhaka—a strike that shifted the tides of that war. The ceremonial farewell at Chandigarh on September 26 will formally retire the Russian-origin jet that has defined generations of fighter pilots. However, this past weekend at Nal offered a unique, almost surreal glimpse into aviation history, with its legacy now immortalized in a celluloid tribute to India's 1971 victory. As the MiG-21 retires from active duty, its historical and cultural significance—etched both in IAF chronicles and Bollywood storytelling—ensures that its echoing roar will remain, far beyond the skies.
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