B'wood celebs laud Capt Smit Machchhar's bravery

• Captain Smit Machchhar saved 174 lives during a mid-air emergency
• The pilot was injured during an alleged co-pilot attack over Saudi Arabia
• PM Modi and film stars praise his bravery as he recovers in hospital

Prominent figures from the Indian film industry have taken to social media to express their admiration for Captain Smit Machchhar, who has been widely

lauded for his extraordinary composure and bravery during a recent mid-air emergency. The pilot, who was operating a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, reportedly managed to ensure the safety of 174 passengers and crew members despite sustaining serious injuries during an alleged altercation in the cockpit. The incident, which occurred while the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was flying over Saudi Arabia, involved an alleged attack by the flight's co-pilot. Reports indicate that despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar successfully opened the cockpit door, enabling others on board to intervene and subdue the attacker. Following the incident, the aircraft was safely landed in Tabuk with the assistance of additional pilots who were travelling as passengers, and Captain Machchhar was subsequently hospitalised for his injuries.

Industry Reactions and Official Recognition

The pilot's actions have drawn widespread praise from across the country, including from high-profile members of the Bollywood and Telugu film industries. Actor R Madhavan shared a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the event, adding his own message of support: "Praying for the speedy recovery of a true hero." Similarly, Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda expressed his gratitude, writing, "May God protect you and bless you Captain. What you faced and what you did is incredible. Along with everyone else on that flight."


Actor and politician Ravi Kishan also commended the pilot’s conduct, describing him as an "epitome of unwavering loyalty to duty" and noting that his actions serve as an inspiration. Veteran actor Paresh Rawal also acknowledged the pilot's bravery, referencing a well-known line from the film Krantiveer to highlight the gravity of the situation. These tributes follow an official acknowledgement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held a video call with the captain to commend his "immense courage" and "valour" in the face of significant danger.

Current Status of the Investigation

The incident remains under active investigation as authorities look into the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack. While the aircraft experienced a sharp drop in altitude during the struggle, the intervention of the crew and additional pilots on board prevented a potential tragedy. Captain Machchhar is currently reported to be in recovery following the event, which has been widely recognised for the pilot's resolve in protecting the lives of the 174 passengers, including 27 children, who were on board the flight.