‘The Admiral Is My Father’: IndiGo Captain Welcomes Ex–Navy Chief Onboard, Adds ‘Ghar Ka Chicken Sandwich’ Reference

An ordinary IndiGo flight turned memorable when the captain made a touching announcement that revealed a rare family connection and decades of service to the nation. It was followed by a simple yet powerful moment that surprised passengers and quickly won hearts online.

A video shared on X shows the IndiGo captain addressing those on board. He starts by introducing himself and explains why he is making the announcement. Then comes a story tied to his own journey in aviation and the Indian Navy. He tells passengers, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain. My name is Ranveer. I have one person here who identified me and that’s the reason for this announcement. 39 years ago, and there’s another passenger who we will just get to.”

Serendipitous

moment when Cobra Leader RS Shekhawat meets dad, grey shark & former CNS Adm VS Shekhawat, & VAdm IC Rao after a 70 yrs course GTG at the same airport where Ranvir started his flying career! ⚓️

A ⁦⁦Dabolim⁩ R-V fm ⁦⁦⁦⁦⁦⁦@IndiGo6E⁩ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ECJ64LEY1u

— Kaypius (@realkaypius) February 1, 2026

The announcement left passengers stunned as the captain revealed that the former Chief of Naval Staff on board was his own father, Admiral VS Shekhawat. Also travelling with him was Vice Admiral IC Rao, his father’s coursemate of seven decades. The flight was heading out from Dabolim, the same airfield where Captain Ranveer had started his naval flying career years earlier.

He shared, “39 years ago in the Navy, I started my flying career in the Navy from this very airfield. And there was an admiral who is on board right now. He was the street commander at that time, subsequently went on to retire as the Chief of Naval Staff. He is flying back today, along with a course mate of his, Admiral IC Rao. So we have got Admiral Shaghavath, who was the ex-Chief of Naval Staff, Mrs IC Rao.”

Captain’s Touching Move For Father

The moment was completely unplanned. The flight captain learned only a day before the flight that his father and his father’s longtime colleague would be passengers. And in a touching move, he carried chicken sandwiches for his father. Signing off, the pilot said, “The gentleman, Admiral Shaghavath, is my father, and I am the captain.”

The Internet Is All Praises

Sharing the video, the user described it as a “serendipitous moment” where generations of naval service came together in one aircraft. The clip quickly spread online, drawing warm reactions from viewers.

One user commented, “This is so sweet. A beautiful tender moment spanning generations of soldiers. All three are gems.” Another wrote, “Wonderful! The lores of service life, so many, that it is made of! God bless the Services! And lucky Son.” Someone else simply said, “This is such a special moment.”

For many, the video stood out for its quiet sincerity and it serves as a reminder of how service, family and chance can come together in the most unexpected ways.