New Delhi: Actor Vijay Varma, who is preparing to captivate audiences with his portrayal in the upcoming limited series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’, recently shared a poignant moment from the cockpit of the Indian Airlines Flight 814 with Captain Devi Sharan. The series, set to premiere on Netflix on August 29, delves into the harrowing hijack incident that occurred in December 1999. The hijack involved an Indian Airlines Airbus A300 that was commandeered while en route from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India.
On Saturday, Vijay Varma took to Instagram to share two evocative pictures, showcasing his meeting with Captain Devi Sharan, who was at the helm during the crisis, alongside first officer Rajinder Kumar and flight engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia. The pictures not only depicted a moment of camaraderie but also served as a bridge between the reel and real-life resilience.
In his Instagram post, Vijay earnestly described his first encounter with Captain Sharan. He recounted, “When I first met the captain, I was immediately struck by his pleasant smile and unassuming nature. But then, I noticed a scar on his neck. When I inquired about it, he humbly responded, ‘wo hijackers ki gun 7 din tak yahi ragadti rahi toh wound ho gaya tha jo heal nahi hua’ (the wound caused by the hijackers’ gun that rubbed against my neck for seven days never healed). I was left speechless by this revelation as he smiled.”
This meeting left a profound impact on Varma, who expressed, “I knew I was in the presence of a real-life hero. Portraying Captain Devi Sharan on screen is an immense honor. His composure, critical thinking, and dedication to saving lives amidst chaos is truly inspirational. This series is a testament to his bravery, patience, and hope.”
The series, produced by Matchbox Shots and directed by Anubhav Sinha, charts the trajectory of the hijacked IC 814 flight, detailing its journey from Nepal to several locations, ultimately landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which was under Taliban control at the time. The terrifying week-long ordeal culminated in the safe release of hostages, orchestrated by Captain Sharan’s indomitable spirit and tactical acumen.
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Netflix India also shared Vijay Varma’s post, resonating with the actor’s sentiments and honoring Captain Devi Sharan’s bravery. The gripping narrative is positioned to not only recount the historical event but also to inspire a new generation with stories of valor and resolve.
The background of the IC 814 hijack is steeped in tension and drama. On December 24, 1999, the aircraft was taken over by five armed terrorists shortly after it entered Indian airspace. Over the next seven days, the flight was redirected to various airports – Amritsar in India, Lahore in Pakistan, Dubai in the UAE – before landing in Kandahar. Throughout this ordeal, Captain Sharan and his crew displayed exemplary leadership, negotiating with the assailants, managing the scared passengers, and constantly updating Indian authorities.
The series aims to shed light on not just the events but also the psychological and emotional turmoil faced by Captain Sharan and his crew. Vijay’s portrayal intends to bring an authentic representation of these unsung heroes, whose bravery deserves global recognition.
Vijay’s further reflection in his caption sheds light on the attributes of resilience and honor. He mentioned, “His efforts to save lives amidst chaos and dread is truly inspiring! A tale of resilience and honour, of critical thinking and duty, of patience and hope, and most of all, bravery. We salute you, Captain.”
‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ is poised to be a resonant tribute to Captain Devi Sharan, taking audiences back to a pivotal moment in Indian aviation history. It’s a story of extraordinary courage under life-threatening pressure, and it vividly captures the sequence of events that test the very fabric of human spirit. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds up for this deeply moving and historically significant series.
Stay tuned as ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ promises to deliver not just a thriller but an inspiring saga of heroism that honors the bravery of Captain Devi Sharan and his team, reminding us of the enduring power of courage against the odds.
