Mumbai: After playing the role of a man who brings home Indians from a war-torn country in Airlift, Akshay Kumar is now set to play the role of Jaswant Singh Gill, the man who rescued miners in an operation in 1989.
India’s first coal mine, Raniganj coal mine was nationalized in 1974 and acquired by the Coal Mines Authority of India. The film is touted to be India’s first coal mine rescue film that sees Akshay Kumar in lead role. The film will be directed by Tinu Suresh Desai.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Pralhad Joshi commemorated Gill. “remembering Late Sardar Jaswant Singh Gill ji for his heroic role in recuing 65 workers from a flooded coal mine in 1989”, tweeted the minister.
Replying to his tweet, actor Akshay Kumar tweeted, “Grateful to you Pralhad Joshi ji for recalling India’s first coal mine rescue mission”.