While India sat glued to TV screens waiting to catch the first glimpse of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as he crossed the Wagah border late on Friday evening, two days after his MiG-21 crashed in Pakistani territory, Bollywood celebs were busy sending out feverish messages lauding the airman's heroism.
And here's what the stars had to say:
Ranveer Singh: Welcome home Abhinandan! Inspiration to our whole nation. Jai Hind.
Karan Johar: We salute your bravery and valour.... We applaud your strength in the face of adversity.
Anil Kapoor: With pride in our hearts and a smile on our face, welcome home Abhinandan.
Kirron Kher: India doesn't need weapons to fight a war. Warriors like Abhinandan are enough. We cannot thank our brave soldiers enough for their endless efforts and sacrifices for our Motherland.
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Varun Dhawan: Welcome back home Abinandan, a true hero. These humane actions give hope that all humanity is not lost. Bharat Mata ki Jai.
Emraan Hashmi: Proud of you sir! Salutes to the brave son of India.
Parineeti Chopra: Everyone can learn something or two about real heroism from you. The entire nation is extremely proud of you and your courage!
Boman Irani: Saluting the valour and bravery of our Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. Like the entire nation, I would love to say welcome home Abhinandan.
Arjun Kapoor: We salute your valour and the entire nation is extremely proud of you Wing Commander Abhinandan... Welcome home.
Nimrat Kaur: In the face of grave adversity, to stand tall and unbroken takes other worldly nerves. Welcome home Abhinandan, your steely valour and calibre has been awe-inspiring. All of India and the uniform swells with pride today. A fauji daughter's salute to you.
Dia Mirza: There is no place like home. Love, respect and gratitude. Wing Commander Abhinandan.
Celina Jaitly: Each and every officer and Jawan's family must be continued to be saluted and celebrated like this... the price our forces and their family pay for our freedom is phenomenal!
Preity G Zinta: People in America are shocked that a 65-year-old Russian MIG-21 shot down an American made and sold F-16 at the India-Pakistan border. This tells a lot about pilot training. The best plane is the one with the best pilot inside. Welcome home Abhinandan.
Shatrughan Sinha: We whole-heartedly welcome the brave and dashing IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Vardhaman and greatly appreciate the sincere efforts of the Government of India to get him back...not to forget Honourable Imran Khan's matured goodwill gesture of peace. My profound regards to the Indian.
--IANS
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