Diljit Dosanjh dazzled audiences with his vibrant portrayal of Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon in Border 2. The character's journey in the movie
served as the emotional core. Diljit embraced the role with poise and respect, while also introducing a new generation to the Indian Air Force officer who laid down his life after triumphing over the neighboring nation. Drawing inspiration from the hero of the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict, Sekhon stood as a key figure in Border 2 alongside Hoshiar Singh Dahiya and Mahendra Singh Rawat. Diljit was cast opposite Sonam Bajwa, who portrayed Manjeet. Sekhon was the first and only Indian Air Force (IAF) officer to receive the Param Vir Chakra.
Who was Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon?
Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was born on July 17, 1945, in Issewal village, Ludhiana, Punjab. His father held the honorary title of Flight Lieutenant. He abandoned his engineering pursuits to enlist in the IAF. On June 4, 1967, he was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Singh piloted Gnat jets and successfully shot down a Pakistani Sabre.
When the Pakistan Air Force launched a coordinated attack on Indian airfields at Srinagar on December 3, 1971, Sekhon engaged in fierce combat. On December 14, 1971, six Pakistani Sabre jets targeted the airfield. The Flying Officer took to the skies and confronted the Sabre formation. He was part of a Gnat detachment stationed in Srinagar, tasked with defending the valley against Pakistani air assaults.
How did Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon die?
Due to an international agreement established in 1948, no air defense aircraft were stationed in Srinagar, leaving Sekhon unfamiliar with the area's terrain and elevation. Nevertheless, he and his team valiantly faced multiple waves of attacking Pakistani aircraft, maintaining the Gnat's esteemed reputation.
Six enemy Sabre jets targeted the Srinagar Airfield. However, Flying Officer Sekhon was unable to take off right away. While waiting for the runway to be cleared, the enemy aircraft loomed overhead. Braving the odds, he attempted to take off and engaged two of the attacking Sabres. During the skirmish, the enemy planes retreated. Nirmaljit lost his life defending Srinagar from Pakistan. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his extraordinary valor. A statue honoring him has been erected in Ludhiana.
Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon's last words
Nirmaljit was married to Manjeet, who later remarried. According to official records, Sekhon’s final words were, “I think I've been hit Ghumman, come and get them.” These words were heard by Air Traffic Controller and Flight Lieutenant Ghumman.
Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon in Border 2
In Border 2, Diljit’s character is shot down by Pakistani aircraft. Despite being outnumbered, he put up a strong defense. Recently, Sunny Deol visited Sekhon’s family following the film’s release on January 23.
