Operation Safed Sagar actor Mihir Ahuja on finding his space in an ensemble: The script is the boss for me

Having worked alongside established actors and star kids in projects such as Super 30, The Archies and Operation Safed Sagar, Mihir Ahuja does not see sharing screen space with them as a competition. He is more interested in whether a role contributes meaningfully to the narrative. He says, “It’s not challenging for me to carve out my own space because I don’t see it as a competition. Every character has its own journey, and I look for roles that have something meaningful to contribute to the story. The script is the boss for me.”His priorities have evolved with experience. While being seen and getting work was once enough, he is now looking for roles that offer greater substance and projects that have both creative and commercial value. He says, “Commercial success is important, but there are also projects that may not be commercially successful but are critically acclaimed. So, it is a combination of both. Earlier, I just wanted to be seen and work as an actor, but now I want meatier roles, good projects and stories that have something to say. For me, a good opportunity is working with directors whose vision aligns with the script.”That clarity also made Operation Safed Sagar an exciting opportunity for Mihir, despite how quickly it came together. He plays Flying Officer Baldy and was the final actor to be locked, just two days before filming began. He recalls, “I got the call when the shoot was almost about to begin and was finally locked just two days before we started filming. Everything happened so quickly that I barely had time to process it. I remember getting a late-night audition and, within a short span, I had gone through two final rounds. The next thing I knew, I was on set with the entire cast, preparing to play Baldy. There was definitely a sense of surprise because opportunities like these don’t usually come together at the last minute. Sometimes the most unexpected moments become the most memorable.”With little time to prepare after being brought on board just two days before filming, Mihir had to quickly step into the world of an Air Force officer. Getting to wear the uniform and being around real MiG aircraft became one of the most memorable aspects of the experience. Talking about portraying Flying Officer Baldy, he shares, “One of the biggest highlights for me was getting to wear the uniform and being around the real MiG aircraft. Seeing those fighter jets up close gives you a completely different perspective on what our Air Force officers do. It wasn’t just visually fascinating; it also reminded me of the discipline, responsibility and courage that come with wearing that uniform. As actors, we recreate these stories, but meeting people from that world and experiencing even a small part of it gives you immense respect for their lives. It made me want to approach Baldy with honesty and responsibility.”