IC 814 Kandahar Hijack: Meet the Real Pilot Behind Vijay Varma's Character

The IC 814 Kandahar hijack remains one of the most harrowing incidents in Indian aviation history. This event is the subject of a new web series titled IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, where actor Vijay Varma portrays Captain Devi Sharan, the real-life pilot who bravely navigated through the crisis. Let’s delve into the story of this courageous pilot and the series that brings his heroism to life.

The Real Pilot of IC 814: Captain Devi Sharan

On December 24, 1999, Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 took off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, destined for New Delhi with 176 passengers on board. The pilot, Captain Devi Sharan, was 37 years old at the time. Shortly after takeoff, the flight was hijacked by five masked terrorists. The plane was diverted to Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and finally Kandahar, making it one of the longest hijacking incidents in history.

Captain Devi Sharan's Bravery During the Hijack

Captain Devi Sharan displayed remarkable composure and courage during the hijack. Despite the immense pressure and the threat to the lives of the passengers, he kept his calm and ensured the safety of everyone on board. One of his most daring moves was pretending that the plane was going to crash when Lahore's air traffic control initially denied landing permission. This clever tactic forced the authorities to allow the plane to land safely.

Honoring a True Hero

For his bravery, Captain Devi Sharan was hailed as a hero upon his return to India. The government, citizens, and his family honored him for his extraordinary efforts in saving the lives of 176 passengers. His story of courage and quick thinking is a shining example of heroism under pressure.

Inspiration Behind the Netflix Series

Captain Sharan’s experience during the hijacking is chronicled in his book Flight into Fear, co-authored with Srijoy Chowdhury. This book served as the inspiration for the Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, where Vijay Varma brings the character of Captain Sharan to life with a powerful performance filled with suspense and emotion.

Vijay Varma, who met the real Captain Sharan during his preparation for the role, was deeply moved by the Captain’s simplicity and courage. He described Captain Sharan as a “real-life hero” and expressed his admiration for the bravery and resilience the Captain displayed during the crisis.

This series not only highlights a terrifying chapter in aviation history but also pays tribute to the heroism of Captain Devi Sharan, whose actions saved countless lives.