'Kantara' star Rishabh Shetty salutes Captain Smit Machchhar
Kantara star Rishabh Shetty hails Captain Smit Machchhar for his heroic actions during the Flydubai mid-air attack that saved hundreds of lives.
In a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary act of bravery, Kantara actor Rishabh Shetty has expressed his deep admiration for Captain Smit Machchhar following the harrowing mid-air crisis aboard a Flydubai flight. The actor lauded the pilot for his selfless courage, noting that the captain prioritized the safety of hundreds of passengers over his own life during a violent confrontation.
A Heroic Stand Amidst Chaos
The incident occurred on a Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when Captain Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot. Despite sustaining serious injuries during the struggle, the captain demonstrated remarkable presence of mind. He managed to fight through the pain to reach the cockpit door, an action that proved instrumental in ensuring the aircraft could make a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Sharing his respect on Instagram Stories, Rishabh Shetty wrote: "My salute to Captain #SmitMachchhar. Even after being seriously injured, he put the lives of others before his own and fought bravely to protect them. His courage helped save hundreds of lives. Praying for your speedy recovery and good health. India is proud of you."
"One Last Push": The Captain's Story
In a moving conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Captain Machchhar recounted the terrifying moments when he realized the aircraft was in jeopardy. Drawing on his 17 years of flying experience, he described the mental battle he faced while incapacitated on the floor.
"When I was down on the floor, I sensed that the aircraft was going down. And I knew for sure: ‘This is the one last push, Smit. Just do it. The door is right there.’ Even as blows were still landing on me, I just managed to open it, sir," Machchhar told the Prime Minister.
The captain admitted that while his survival instincts were active, his primary drive was to prevent a mass tragedy. He noted that he could not allow the passengers to perish, even as he fought for his own life.
Spiritual Strength and National Recognition
To maintain his composure during the life-threatening ordeal, Machchhar turned to faith, revealing that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa to stay calm. He mentioned that reciting the prayer is a regular practice he shares with his two-year-old son.
The nation has begun celebrating his heroism in various ways:
- Prime Minister's Praise: Narendra Modi commended his courage, patience, and presence of mind.
- State Honors: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced the ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ for the captain.
- Public Tributes: Large billboards reading “Thank you Captain Smit” have appeared at major intersections in Mumbai.
Currently recovering in a hospital in the UAE, Captain Machchhar remains optimistic about his health. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, confirmed that the captain is in stable condition and is progressing well in his recovery.