EXCLUSIVE: URI’s Kirti Kulhari on Surgical Strikes: Josh for me is high as I represented IAF in a certain way

India yet again has made history. In the morning, everyone woke up to the news that India has carried out an air surgical strike on Pakistan occupied Kashmir. On Twitter, people are appreciating IAF for carrying out a mission like this. We got in in touch with Kirti Kulhari who played the role of an IAF officer in Aditya Dhar’s URI: The Surgical Strikes to know her reaction on India’s surgical strike on Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the morning. She told us, “Now, we all know about the surgical strike and the whole nature of it is very discreet. I was like what will India do next, will they be able to do it again knowing that everyone is aware of what's happening around and how can you not let others know what are you planning to do. They managed to it again and I was like they did it and it's amazing.” 

“This time we did the air surgical strike which is a bigger surprise. It's actually surprising and thrilling at the same time. I was personally very proud of what I heard. Having said that, right now, the situation is so sensitive that every action is going to have some consequence. The government has gone ahead and taken this decision and they know what can come back to them. I am sure they have made arrangements. Punjab is already on high alert and even other metro cities. Now, we have to be prepared for the worst. What we have done is done which is a big step on our part considering the pressure that we are under and how the nation is feeling. It has to put pressure on the Government to take an appropriate step. At the time of URI, people really didn't know and I got to know after a long time,” Kirti added. 

She said it’s commendable, but now, we have to be ready for the worst. “The difference this time is that people know about Pulwama attack and something like this has never happened in history before. You as the citizen of India are expecting so much. Carrying on a mission like this and doing an air strike is very commendable and phenomenal. We have to be ready for any consequence that arises out of this. While we are together, we kind of showed solidarity during the Pulwama attack. I know it affected people personally. Now, it's the time to have faith in our government and the security forces,” said Kirti. 

We asked does she relate to this personally as she stepped into the shoes of an IAF officer for URI. On this, she told us, “If URI 2 happens, I will probably play the lead. It's personal and I was right there. When you are shooting, you understand the situation. The most amazing part is that it was a complete air strike. The josh for me is even higher as I happened to represent IAF in a certain way in URI. It's a complete honour and privilege. I can relate to it as I have been in their shoes.”