Meet Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, The Real Life Hero Behind Diljit Dosanjh’s Border 2 Role

Diljit Dosanjh won hearts with his powerful performance as Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon in Border 2. His character forms the emotional backbone of the film and introduces a new generation to one of India’s bravest Air Force heroes. Sekhon fought valiantly during the 1971 India-Pakistan war and made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

In the film, Diljit stars alongside Sonam Bajwa, who plays Sekhon’s wife, Manjeet. Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon remains the first and only Indian Air Force officer to receive the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.

Who was Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon?

Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was born on July 17, 1945, in Issewal village near Ludhiana, Punjab. His father was an honorary Flight Lieutenant. Sekhon initially studied engineering but left his studies to join the Indian Air Force (IAF).

He was commissioned as a fighter pilot on June 4, 1967. During the 1971 war, he flew the Gnat fighter jet and successfully shot down a Pakistani Sabre aircraft.
What happened during the 1971 war?

When the Pakistan Air Force carried out a coordinated attack on Indian airfields in Srinagar on December 3, 1971, Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon fought back bravely. A few days later, on December 14, 1971, six Pakistani Sabre jets attacked the Srinagar airfield. Sekhon immediately took off in his Gnat fighter jet and faced the enemy aircraft.

Because of an international agreement made in 1948, Srinagar did not have air defence aircraft. This meant Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon had limited support and was not fully familiar with the area’s terrain and height. Even then, he and his team bravely faced repeated attacks by Pakistani aircraft and upheld the strong reputation of the Gnat fighter jet.

During the attack, six Pakistani Sabre jets targeted the Srinagar airfield. Sekhon could not take off immediately as the runway was under fire and needed to be cleared. Enemy jets were flying overhead while he waited. Despite the danger, he finally took off and fought against two of the attacking Sabres. The enemy aircraft eventually pulled back, but Sekhon lost his life while defending Srinagar.

For his exceptional courage, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. A statue in his honour has been built in Ludhiana.

Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon’s last words

According to official records, Sekhon’s last words were: “I think I’ve been hit, Ghumman. Come and get them.” These were heard by the Air Traffic Controller and Flight Lieutenant Ghumman.

Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon in Border 2

In Border 2, Diljit Dosanjh’s character is shown taking on multiple Pakistani aircraft despite being outnumbered. His role highlights Sekhon’s courage and sacrifice. After the film’s release on January 23, actor Sunny Deol also visited Sekhon’s family to pay his respects.

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