New Delhi: As the anticipation builds for the upcoming limited series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,” actor Vijay Varma has given fans a sneak peek into the project by sharing an emotional and heartfelt interaction with Captain Devi Sharan, the real-life pilot who displayed incredible bravery during the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. This emotional meet was highlighted by Vijay in a poignant Instagram post on Saturday, where he shared two pictures taken with Captain Devi Sharan.
The series, which will air on Netflix starting August 29, dramatizes the harrowing events of December 1999 when Indian Airlines Flight 814, an Airbus A300, was hijacked while en route from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India. The hijackers forced the flight to change course multiple times before eventually landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, then controlled by the Taliban.
Captain Devi Sharan, along with first officer Rajinder Kumar and flight engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia, was instrumental in navigating these life-threatening moments. The captain’s courage and composure under extreme duress have been widely commended.
In his Instagram caption, Vijay Varma spoke at length about his first encounter with Captain Sharan and the deep impression it left on him. He wrote, “Real and Reel Captain Sharan. When I first met the captain, I was taken in by his pleasant smile and his simplicity. Then I saw a scar on his neck. I asked him about it, and he simply and politely said ‘wo hijackers ki gun 7 din tak yahi ragadti rahi toh wound ho gaya tha jo heal nahi hua’ (the wound caused by the hijacker’s gun never healed). I froze. He smiled.”
Further reflecting on the experience, Vijay elaborated, “I knew I was talking to a real-life hero. It was such a huge honor to get to depict Captain Devi Sharan on screen. His efforts to save lives amidst chaos and dread are truly inspiring! A tale of resilience and honor, of critical thinking and duty, of patience and hope, and most of all, bravery.
. We salute you captain.”
The actor’s post was flooded with reactions from fans and industry colleagues who expressed their admiration for both Varma and Captain Sharan. Vijay’s compassion and genuine respect for the pilot’s heroics bring authenticity to his portrayal, a quality audiences are eagerly looking forward to seeing.
The hijacking incident stands as one of the most traumatic episodes in the history of Indian aviation. Shortly after takeoff, the plane was commandeered by five armed hijackers, who redirected the aircraft to Amritsar, then Lahore, and eventually Kandahar. Throughout the seven-day ordeal, the hijackers demanded the release of terrorists imprisoned in India. The Indian government engaged in intense negotiations, culminating in the tragic death of one passenger but resulting in the eventual release of the remaining hostages after the Indian government acceded to the hijackers’ demands.
“IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” delves into these tense and dramatic events, bringing to light not just the crisis but also the human stories of bravery and resilience. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series aims to offer an in-depth recounting of the incident, exploring the psychological and emotional journeys of everyone involved.
For Varma, stepping into the shoes of Captain Sharan is not just an acting role but a tribute to the enduring human spirit. “This series is about more than just following orders or managing a terrible crisis. It’s about how far one man went to ensure the safety of his passengers and crew, often at great personal risk,” he highlighted.
As the release date approaches, promotional activities and sneak peeks from the production suggest that viewers can expect a gripping, thoughtfully crafted narrative that remains respectful to the real-life heroes who lived through the calamity.
The cast and crew have also underscored their commitment to staying true to the facts while bringing in elements of storytelling that magnify the intense emotional landscape of those seven days. Collaborating closely with the actual participants of the event, including consultations with Captain Sharan, has lent the series an authenticity that viewers will find both engaging and educational.
“IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” is slated for release on Netflix on August 29, and it stands as an important cultural document, memorializing an incident that shocked a nation but also demonstrated extraordinary acts of courage and humanity.
