Actors Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya helped return a stolen Mahavir Chakra medal. The medal belonged to Squadron Leader AB Devayya, an Indian Air Force officer, who was posthumously honoured for his bravery in the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
While working on ‘Sky Force’, a film based on the late officer’s mission, debut actor Veer Pahariya, who played the role of Squadron Leader Devayya, came to know about the lost medal. Along with his co-star Akshay Kumar, the duo made efforts to trace and recover the medal.
Preetha Devayya, daughter of Squadron Leader Devayya, posted several photos and videos of this matter on her Instagram account. She thanked Akshay and Veer for their help, and explained what the medal means to her mother, Sundari.
Explaining their involvement, she wrote, “When Veer Pahariya came home to meet us while he was filming ‘Sky Force’ ,that’s when he learnt what had happened, following which Mr Akshay Kumar & Veer Pahariya took it upon themselves to help us get the precious medal back (sic).”
Preetha Devayya posted pictures on her Instagram account. (Photo Credit: Instagram/Preetha Devayya)
In a formal ceremony held by the Indian Air Force at the Training Command in Bengaluru on June 9, the medal was returned to Devayya’s wife, Sundari Devayya. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh AVSM VM presented the medal, offering closure and pride to the family. “She keeps saying she finally feels complete. After all these years, there’s peace in her heart,” mentioned Preetha in her Instagram note.
Preetha’s mother receiving Mahavir Chakra medal. (Photo Credit: Instagram/Preetha Devayya)
The medal, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award, was stolen years ago from the family’s home. For the Devayya family, it was a powerful reminder of a father’s sacrifice and a husband’s courage. “For Mum, the medal was a symbol of my Dad’s courage and had held a place of pride on her dresser. Because of both of them (Veer Pahariya and Akshay Kumar), my mother is holding the Mahavir Chakra once again,” added Preetha.
, said, “This is why I chose to be an actor – to spread love, make a difference, and leave a little bit of myself behind in every story (sic).” Akshay Kumar did not comment publicly, but the family expressed thanks for his involvement.
Veer Pahariya shared on his Instagram Story. (Photo Credit: Instagram/Veer Pahariya)
, is based on India’s first airstrike on Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase. The film stars Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, and Nimrat Kaur in the lead roles.