Hrithik Roshan’s Shamsher Pathania in Fighter deals with a “constant tug of war” between the many facets of his character in personal and professional space, the actor explained in an Instagram post on Wednesday, sharing a behind-the-scenes video featuring Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor and filmmaker Siddharth Anand.

Exploring the “dichotomy” between the personal and professional sides to his character, the 50-year-old actor said that it took him some time to get into the shoes of squadron leader Shamsher Pathania aka Patty or Shammi. “Call him Patty or Shammi, there was a constant tug of war within him,” he wrote, before moving on to draw a sketch of Pathania’s contrasting characteristics.

Distinguishing between his Fighter character’s life as an Air Force pilot and as an individual, Hrithik wrote, “Shammi is deeply vulnerable, Patty is headstrong and laser focused. Shammi is bogged down by guilt, Patty is chasing redemption.” He further said that his character is a loving “son, friend and lover” in his personal life and a “fighter” on the airstrip.

Referred to as Patty by his colleagues and Shammi by family, Hrithik’s character is both obedient and a rule-breaker. While Shammi seeks his “safe haven”, Patty finds comfort in “the confines of his Sukhoi Su-30 MKI”.

Patty, who becomes a squadron leader after overcoming several obstacles on his way, is a “fiercely patriotic soldier” who puts his country before personal egos and relationships, Siddharth says in the BTS video.

“When you think of who you would put in the cockpit of an Indian fighter jet, there are not very many names that come to your mind,” said producer Ajit Andhare in the video shot in the backdrop of real jets that were used in the film. “So, I think it was a no-brainer that you see Hrithik in the cockpit behind the aviators,” he added.

Hrithik has undergone rigorous training with live machinery for flying simulators and handling aircraft controls, Fighter writer Ramon Chibb revealed in the video. The clip also gives a glimpse of the actor’s simulator training session during the shoot.

Anil Kapoor, who plays commanding officer Rocky in the film, heaped praise on Hrithik’s generosity and sincerity as an actor and as a human being which enabled the veteran actor to connect with him.

Deepika, who stars alongside Hrithik as squadron leader Minni, lauded the actor for his commitment to work. “He’s extremely focussed because he’s such a perfectionist and he wants to get everything right,” the 38-year-old actress said.

While Karan Singh Grover appreciated the on-screen bond he shared with Hrithik as air force officers, Akshay Oberoi gushed over the actor’s ripped abs and gave a glimpse into their gym workout sessions before the shoot.

Hrithik, who collaborated with Siddharth for the third time after their 2014 movie Bang Bang and the 2019 film War, concluded his note by thanking the director, fellow cast members and producers.

Fighter hit theatres on January 25. The film marked Deepika’s third collaboration with the director after the 2008 film Bachna Ae Haseeno and the 2023 blockbuster Pathaan, in which she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham.