Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya, who played real-life war heroes in Sky Force, have now shared a touching chapter on-screen—one that ultimately impacted the entire nation. After depicting the incredible story of Squadron Leader AB Devayya, the only IAF officer to be awarded the Mahavir Chakra posthumously, the actors helped recover his family’s stolen gallantry medal, which restores a part of India’s military heritage.
The Missing Medal – And The Stars That Came Forward
Through the Eyes of the Devayya Family, Veer Pahariya had a personal connection with them during the shoot of Sky Force, and it was at that moment that Akshay Kumar and Pahariya learnt about the Mahavir Chakra medal, which was in the family’s home and displayed for all to see, having been stolen some years prior.
“For Mum, the medal represented my Father’s bravery; it was a symbol of pride displayed on her dresser,” said Preetha Devayya, the daughter of the war hero, in a press note about the event.
Both actors were moved to assist the family in trying to get back the medal, but this was not a random act of kindness — it quickly became an honourable mission that both Akshay and Veer committed to quietly before it even opened theatrically.
Medal Returned In Emotional Ceremony
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, AVSM VM, returned a medal to the family of late Flying Officer A. B. Devayya in an emotional ceremony at the Indian Air Force Training Command, Bengaluru.
“There are so many layers to this, and she [my mother] is so moved, so emotional, almost revulsively so. She keeps saying that she finally feels complete; she can see the light. After all these years, she can see the light, and there is now peace in her heart,” said Preetha on Instagram.
For a family that had been burdened by permanent loss, the memorialisation process by the Medal Act brought back more than just a medal; it also brought dignity, honour, recognition, natural closure and ultimately healing.
Veer Pahariya on Playing AB Devayya’s Character: “This Is Why I Wanted to Become an Actor”
For Veer, the character of A.B. Devayya was more than just a role — he undertook a personal pilgrimage in the process of performing the role.
He reflected:
“This is why I wanted to go down the path of acting; to spread love, make a difference, pocketing a little piece of myself in every story.”
The film Sky Force as a product was an homage on-screen, but it became an homage in real life, beyond the media product itself — therefore becoming a real-world legacy.
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Box Office Worldwide Verdict
In an industry that often only puts truth on the “silver screen”, no one may give it a second thought after that, but the act of Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya is a rare gemstone — an act of great respect towards a national hero.
The restoration of Squadron Leader AB Devayya’s Mahavir Chakra is not just about honouring history — they are now part of it.
Sky Force is more than a patriotic film; it’s history in a sense… a living, breathing tribute that resonates beyond the cinema halls.
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