Actors flying high

Actors are stepping into cockpits, some to prepare for their roles in movies, while others to indulge in some fun.

Bollywood has a new hobby. Actors are stepping into cockpits, some to prepare for their roles in movies, while others to indulge in some fun.

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Shahid Kapoor
Shahid Kapoor is the first actor to fly the jet fighter aircraft, F-16. Kapoor, 30, who plays a fighter pilot in his forthcoming film Mausam, took lessons at the Royal Airforce airbase in Leuchars, near Edinburgh, where he also flew the Tornado Battle Aircraft.

Before the Edinburgh schedule, the actor had discreetly taken lessons in India as well. “I was quite fortunate that I flew an F-16 fighter plane. I don’t think any other actor has ever flown an F-16. Even Hollywood actor Tom Cruise had flown an F-15 in his movie, Top Gun, not F-16,” said Kapoor.

Kunal Kapoor
Actor Kunal Kapoor, who started pursuing flying last year, is now all set to become a professional pilot. The actor, just needs to pass two exams to achieve the feat. Kapoor, 33, goes to Bhopal to pursue his hobby. “I am flying the Cessna 172, but they have got a twin engine as well, which I hope to graduate to. It’s an incredible place — super planes and fantastic instructors. They have got planes, a couple of really cool bikes and the occasional sky diving camp. So, its pretty much the coolest place to be at. Kunal, who has been fond of planes since childhood will soon appear for his exams.

Preity Zinta
Actor Preity Zinta flew a Sport Aircraft in April this year while hosting reality show Guinness World Records — Ab India Todega. Zinta, who had always wanted to fly, fulfilled her wish when she attempted to break the record of ‘Most Balloons released by
aeroplane ribbon cut’. She single-handedly maneuvered the plane, X-Air, for a long stretch.

Vivek Oberoi
The actor has been taking flying lessons for two months now, for his role of a baddie in Krrish 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra. Oberoi, 34, is reported to be playing the role of a pilot in the film. Thus, he enrolled himself in a flying school in Florida, America, where he is flying a Cessna 172. A source says, “Vivek is taking his flying lessons very seriously and wants to acquire a pilot’s license.”

Konkona Sen Sharma
The actor stepped into the cockpit at a recent educational excursion in Mumbai. At the excursion, young travellers explored the Boeing 737 aircraft, while Koko, 31, who was interacting with the travelers took the pilot’s seat for some time.