Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya are not just winning hearts with their powerful performances in the upcoming film Sky Force, but they have also made a big difference off-screen. The film tells the story of India’s first airstrike on Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. It focuses on the life of a brave Indian Air Force officer, Squadron Leader AB Devayya.
Devayya was a hero who sacrificed his life for the country. He became the only Indian Air Force officer to receive the Mahavir Chakra posthumously, India’s second-highest gallantry award. Sadly, the medal was stolen from his family’s home many years ago, leaving a big emotional void.
How Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya Found Out About the Stolen Medal
While shooting for Sky Force, Veer Pahariya, who plays Squadron Leader AB Devayya in the film, grew close to the real Devayya family. During this time, he and Akshay Kumar discovered that the Mahavir Chakra had been stolen from their home. The loss was especially painful for Devayya’s wife, Sundari Devayya.
“My mother kept the medal on her dressing table. It was a symbol of my father’s bravery,” said Preetha Devayya, daughter of the late officer, in a statement from the family. Before the movie’s release, Veer met with the Devayya family again and was deeply moved by their story. Together with Akshay Kumar, he decided to take personal responsibility to recover the stolen medal.
“They took this as their personal mission,” added Preetha, praising the actors for their care and determination.
Squadron Leader AB Devayya’s Mahavir Chakra Returns Home
After much effort, the stolen Mahavir Chakra was finally found and returned to the Devayya family. The medal was handed back in a touching ceremony held at the Indian Air Force Training Command in Bengaluru. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh AVSM VM presented it to Sundari Devayya, bringing joy and relief to the family.
Sharing the emotional moment on Instagram, Preetha wrote, “The Mahavir Chakra is back home.” She called it a very special day for her family. “My mother is deeply touched and emotional. She says she finally feels complete. After all these years, her heart feels at peace,” she added.
Veer Pahariya on the Experience
Speaking about the heartwarming journey, Veer Pahariya said, “This is why I became an actor — not just to tell stories but to make a real difference. I want to leave a part of myself in every role I play.”
This touching story of how Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya went beyond their film roles to help a family heal is a reminder that real-life heroes don’t always wear uniforms — sometimes, they wear movie makeup but act with true heart.
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