New Delhi: With his highly anticipated limited series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ nearing its release, actor Vijay Varma took to Instagram to share a poignant moment from the filming process. On Saturday, Varma posted two striking pictures from the cockpit alongside Captain Devi Sharan, who was the real pilot during the infamous hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in December 1999. The event, which remains etched in the collective memory of the Indian public, saw Captain Sharan display remarkable courage and poise under extremely tense circumstances.
Vijay Varma, who portrays Captain Devi Sharan in the series, penned a heartfelt note capturing his first meeting with the veteran pilot. “Real and Reel Captain Sharan. When I first met Captain Sharan, I was struck by his pleasant smile and simplicity. Then I noticed a scar on his neck. When I inquired about it, he calmly replied, ‘That’s from the hijackers’ gun; it rubbed against my neck for seven days, and the wound never healed.’ I was frozen. He just smiled,” wrote Varma.
In his note, Varma expressed the deep honor he felt in playing Captain Sharan. He emphasized the pilot’s bravery and his quick thinking, which were crucial in saving lives amidst the chaos. Varma described it as an inspiring tale of resilience, duty, and hope. He gratefully acknowledged the captain’s contribution and announced that the series, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,’ would be streaming on Netflix from August 29. Varma’s caption was punctuated with acknowledgments to the show’s director Anubhav Sinha, Netflix India, and production house Matchbox Shots.
Moreover, Varma reiterated this sentiment across various social media posts, ensuring that the gravity of Captain Sharan’s actions was highlighted along with the real-life ordeal faced by the passengers and crew of Flight IC 814. The series, which delves deep into the hijacking incident, promises to carry a full spectrum of emotions, from tension to relief.
The hijacking event unfolded on December 24, 1999, when Indian Airlines Flight 814, an Airbus A300, was en route from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India.
. Mid-flight, five armed terrorists took control of the aircraft. The hijacked plane made refueling stops in Amritsar, Lahore, and Dubai before landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan. At that time, Kandahar was under Taliban control, which added another layer of complexity to the situation. The harrowing ordeal lasted for seven days, during which Captain Sharan’s leadership and calm demeanor were crucial in ensuring the safety of the passengers.
The hijackers demanded the release of several militants from Indian jails, and the Indian government faced intense pressure to negotiate. The negotiations were fraught with tension and difficult decisions, reflecting the dire situation faced by the hostages. Ultimately, after days of intense negotiations and the release of three militants, the hostages were freed. The incident has since become one of the most significant hijacking cases in Indian history.
‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ aims to capture not just the event but also the intricate human emotions and trauma experienced by those involved. This dramatic retelling focuses on the heroism of the flight crew and the resilience of the passengers. Varma’s portrayal of Captain Sharan seeks to bring to life the story of a man who remained a bastion of hope and strength.
The series is a result of meticulous research, with the team behind it spending countless hours understanding the minute details of the incident. This commitment to authenticity is apparent in Varma’s posts, where he repeatedly emphasizes the real-life heroism that the series aims to showcase.
For those familiar with the ordeal, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ is likely to be a trip down memory lane, albeit a tense and emotional one. For others, it offers a deep dive into a pivotal moment in Indian history. Mark your calendars for August 29, when the show premieres on Netflix, bringing to screen an extraordinary tale of bravery and resilience.
Vijay Varma’s portrayal of Captain Devi Sharan is set to immortalize a real-life hero, paying homage to the courage exhibited during one of India’s most trying times.
