One for my boy

Hrithik Roshan and Akshay Oberoi in Fighter

There are multiple reasons for an actor to readily join the cast of Fighter. Siddharth Anand's directorial venture presents not only the opportunity to share screen space with Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, but also the scope to be part of a tentpole film. These factors drew Akshay Oberoi to the January 25 release. But there was another significant reason for him to say yes to the aerial action thriller - his son Avyaan. He believes that his portrayal of an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot will evoke excitement and pride in his son. The actor shares, "My decision to take up the role of an Indian Air Force pilot was deeply influenced by my desire to create something my son, Avyaan, could be proud of. As a father, there is immense joy in knowing that he will watch me on screen, soaring through the skies in a military uniform."

Anand's action fare revolves around a group of IAF pilots who are hand-picked to form a quick response team. When the project came his way, Oberoi jumped at it as it also enabled him to fulfil his childhood dream of becoming an IAF pilot, albeit on reel. For him, Basheer is more than just a character. "It is my way of sharing a dream with my son. Siddharth Anand has crafted a remarkable film, and being part of such an exciting project alongside Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone is an opportunity I couldn't pass up," he smiles.