In 1990-91, India carried out the biggest human evacuation in history rescuing nearly 170,000 Indians from war-torn Kuwait after Iraq invaded the country. A few Indians got together to carry out the operation, including bravehearts like Sunny Mathews and Vedi. They realised Indians were in trouble because they didn’t even have their official documents as per the country’s law.

Akshay Kumar starrer ‘Airlift’ that hit the screens on Friday is based on this operation and his character is an amalgamation of all the heroes who saved the lives of many Indians.

On January 22, on the day of Airlift’s release, Sunny Mathews’ granddaughter Rhea Mathews took to Facebook to reminisce about her grandfather’s contribution through an inspiring message and newspaper cuttings highlighting his bravery. “My grandfather stayed through the turmoil of it all and put his life at risk to secure safety for all those he could help. He is a great man and through all his success has always stressed on the importance of humility, gratitude and love, especially to those not so fortunate,” she wrote.

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