New Delhi: In a thrilling revelation, actor Vijay Varma, known for his compelling performances, has shared an intriguing glimpse from the cockpit of his upcoming limited series, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’, which is set to stream on Netflix. The actor recently took to his Instagram handle to post two significant pictures alongside Captain Devi Sharan, the heroic pilot who commanded the Indian Airlines Flight 814 during its infamous hijacking in December 1999. The series delves deep into that fateful incident when the Airbus A300, traveling from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, was hijacked and eventually taken to Kandahar, Afghanistan, a territory controlled by the Taliban at that time.
The photos shared by Vijay Varma capture poignant moments with Captain Devi Sharan, who steered the aircraft through those tumultuous seven days. The captain was accompanied by first officer Rajinder Kumar and flight engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia, and their collective calm and bravery were instrumental in handling the crisis. Vijay Varma’s portrayal of Captain Sharan aims to bring to life the tremendous courage and composure of the real-life hero.
In an emotional note accompanying his Instagram post, Vijay expressed his admiration for Captain Sharan. He wrote, “Real and Reel Captain Sharan. When I first met the captain, I was taken in by his pleasant smile and his simplicity. And 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 that I got because the hijacker’s gun was rubbed against my neck for seven days never healed). He smiled.” This candid interaction left a profound impact on the actor, who recognized the immense heroism of the captain.
Vijay further elaborated on the honor of portraying Captain Devi Sharan on screen. He shared, “I knew I was talking to a real-life hero. It was such a huge honor 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 tribute not only reflects Vijay’s dedication to his role but also highlights the critical aspects of the harrowing experience that will be depicted in the series.
The series, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,’ is a gripping retelling of the hijacking incident, a significant event in Indian aviation and counter-terrorism history. On December 24, 1999, the aircraft, carrying 176 passengers and 15 crew members, was seized by five armed hijackers shortly after entering Indian airspace. Despite the intense pressure and danger, the crew managed to land the plane at several locations, including Amritsar, Lahore, and finally in Kandahar.
The hijackers demanded the release of several militants, including Masood Azhar, leading to tense and often perilous negotiations. The pilot and crew’s bravery during this crisis were exemplary. Captain Sharan’s insistence on leaving the cockpit only to ensure the passengers’ safety became a hallmark of valor. His scar, as noted by Vijay, is a permanent reminder of the physical and psychological toll of the ordeal.
The decision to film this series underscores Netflix’s commitment to bringing real, impactful stories to the screen. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, renowned for his work on socially relevant and powerful films, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ promises to be an intense and gripping series, capturing the essence of resilience and bravery. The collaboration with Matchbox Shots, a production house known for its high-quality content, further elevates expectations.
The anticipation for ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ is palpable, with Vijay Varma’s heartfelt tribute to Captain Sharan serving as a poignant reminder of the real heroes’ sacrifices. The series, set to premiere on Netflix on August 29, is expected to not only recount the harrowing events but also pay homage to the unyielding spirit and courage of those involved. This retelling aims to shed light on a crucial chapter of Indian history, ensuring that the bravery and resilience of Captain Devi Sharan and his crew are duly celebrated.
As viewers gear up to watch this highly awaited series, Vijay Varma’s journey from meeting the real Captain Sharan to portraying him on screen stands as a testament to the actor’s dedication and the profound impact of reliving such a significant historical event. The audience can look forward to an emotionally charged and meticulously crafted series that honors a true-life story of heroism in the face of unprecedented circumstances.
