New Delhi: With the highly anticipated limited series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ set to premiere on Netflix, actor Vijay Varma has offered a unique glimpse into his intense preparation for the role. In a heartfelt post on social media, Varma shared two intimate photographs taken alongside Captain Devi Sharan, the real-life hero and pilot during the dramatic hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in December 1999.
Varma shared these poignant images on his Instagram account last Saturday, showcasing him alongside Captain Sharan, First Officer Rajinder Kumar, and Flight Engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia. The images, captured in the cockpit, gave fans a behind-the-scenes peek at the emotional and psychological preparations that went into this role.
In his lengthy caption, Varma recounted his first interaction with the seasoned pilot, who exhibited remarkable courage and composure amid the heart-stopping crisis. “When I first met the captain, I was taken in by his pleasant smile and simplicity,” Varma wrote. He went on to reveal the moment that truly underscored the gravity of Sharan’s experience: a scar on his neck. “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 from the hijacker’s gun never healed). I froze. He smiled.”
Varma continued to express his profound respect for Captain Sharan, describing the experience of meeting him as akin to meeting a real-life hero. “It was such a huge honour 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 honour… of critical thinking and duty… of patience and hope and most of all.
… bravery.” Varma ended his heartfelt note with a salute to Captain Sharan and urged fans to mark their calendars for the series’ release on August 29.
‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ is a Netflix production set to dramatize the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. An Airbus A300, the flight was en route from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India, when it was hijacked and forced to land at multiple locations before settling in Kandahar, Afghanistan, then under Taliban control. The harrowing incident captivated global attention and left a lasting mark on international aviation security protocols.
The series aims to delve into the complexities and emotional turbulence experienced by the crew and passengers during the week-long ordeal. Varma’s portrayal of Captain Devi Sharan is expected to be a central pillar of the narrative, spotlighting his bravery and exceptional leadership under dire circumstances.
Varma also tagged key stakeholders in his post, including director Anubhav Sinha, Netflix India, and Matchbox Shots, the production house behind the series, to acknowledge their contributions to bringing this impactful story to the screen.
Public anticipation for ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ has been mounting since the official announcement, with viewers eagerly awaiting a dramatized yet authentic recounting of the events that shook the nation nearly two decades ago. Given the heightened interest, Varma’s recent social media update further cements the series’ importance, presenting it as a tribute not only to those involved in the hijacking but also to the viewers who remember the event vividly.
In a cultural landscape continuously dominated by fictional superheroes, the human angle of real-life heroism portrayed by Varma as Captain Sharan promises to be both refreshing and deeply moving. Such narratives serve as powerful reminders of the courage displayed by ordinary individuals in the face of extraordinary adversity.
As the release date approaches, all eyes are on the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew to do justice to this harrowing piece of history. Varma’s preparation and heartfelt tribute to Captain Sharan underscore the dedication and passion fueling this project. The series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,’ streaming on Netflix from August 29, stands as a testament to real-life bravery and will surely leave an indelible impression on its audience.
Stay tuned as we bring more updates and insights into this highly anticipated release, which promises not only to entertain but to educate and commemorate the heroes who lived through a defining moment in history.
