New Delhi: In a testament to the mesmerizing nexus between art and real-life heroism, actor Vijay Varma, gearing up for his forthcoming limited series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’, recently shared an intimate moment from inside the cockpit. On Saturday, the actor took to Instagram to post two poignant pictures with Captain Devi Sharan, the valiant pilot who steered Indian Airlines Flight 814 during its infamous hijacking in 1999. Also featured alongside them were first officer Rajinder Kumar and flight engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia, all of whom played crucial roles during the terrifying incident. Captain Devi Sharan, in particular, showcased exceptional courage and poise during the grim moments of the hijack.
Vijay Varma, seemingly moved by his interaction with Captain Devi Sharan, penned an evocative note in the Instagram caption. He reminisced about his first meeting with the pilot, writing: “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. 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 I got because of the hijacker’s gun never healed). I froze. He smiled.”
The actor continued, “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.” Vijay concluded by reminding viewers that ‘IC814’ would be streaming on Netflix from August 29, tagging the show’s creators and distributors: @anubhavsinhaa, @netflix_in, and @matchboxshots.
To provide some context, the series is based on the harrowing hijack of Indian Airlines Flight 814, which was en route from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India, in December 1999. The flight was forcibly flown to multiple locations before making a final landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, a territory then under the Taliban’s control.
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The entire nation was gripped with fear and anxiety during the seven-day stand-off, making it one of the most unforgettable events in Indian aviation history. Captain Devi Sharan’s quick thinking and resolute demeanor were instrumental in minimizing casualties and ensuring the safe release of most hostages. His actions during the crisis have been lauded internationally, and portraying him on screen is no small feat.
Vijay Varma’s Instagram post has already garnered significant attention, with comments from fans and colleagues alike expressing admiration. Netflix India also shared the post, highlighting the collaboration with the caption, “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, based on true events, will remind viewers of the resilience and heroism that emerged during one of India’s darkest aviation incidents.”
In the series, Vijay Varma steps into the shoes of Captain Devi Sharan, depicting the sequence of events with a focus on authenticity and emotional weight. He mentions in several interviews how daunting the role was, considering the real-life impacts and the emotional gravitas that the hijack incident holds even two decades later.
This cinematographic endeavor goes beyond mere entertainment, delving into themes of bravery, critical decision-making, and the human spirit’s endurance in the face of life-threatening situations. The show is expected to provide not only a gripping narrative but also a historical recount that educates its audience about the intricate details and the intense negotiations that played out behind the scenes.
While the news of the series’ release has stirred a mixture of excitement and poignancy, it also brings into focus the stark reality faced by aviation professionals. Despite technological advances and rigorous security protocols, the 1999 hijack of IC 814 remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that come with global aviation.
Series creator Anubhav Sinha has stated that the meticulous research and close consultation with aviation experts and the original crew members of IC 814 have been pivotal in creating a realistic portrayal of the events. Meanwhile, Matchbox Shots, the production team behind the series, has stressed the importance of authenticity and respect for those who endured the crisis.
As the series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ nears its release date, viewers are waiting with bated breath to witness this harrowing chapter of history brought to life. For many, it will be a journey into a past that still echoes in the corridors of modern aviation safety standards. For others, it will be a vivid reminder of the heroism that shone through during a week of unprecedented turmoil.
The confluence of real-life heroism and cinematic portrayal promises to make this series a landmark production in India’s digital storytelling landscape. When it releases on Netflix on August 29, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ is anticipated to capture the hearts and minds of viewers, immortalizing a story of bravery and resilience for generations to come.
