The world of cinema often draws inspiration from real-life events, and one such gripping incident that has been brought to the screen is the 1999 Kandahar plane hijacking. The Netflix series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” has captured the tension and drama of this terrifying event. The series features actor Vijay Verma in the role of Captain Devi Sharan, the brave pilot who was at the helm during the hijacking. But who exactly was Captain Devi Sharan, and what made his actions so heroic?
The Real Incident: December 24, 1999
On December 24, 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC-814 took off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, bound for New Delhi. The aircraft had 176 passengers on board, and the man in charge of their safety was 37-year-old Captain Devi Sharan Sharma. However, the flight’s routine journey was shattered when five masked terrorists hijacked the plane soon after takeoff.
The hijackers forced the plane to divert, leading it on a perilous journey through multiple countries, including Amritsar in India, Lahore in Pakistan, and Dubai in the UAE, before finally landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The passengers were held hostage for seven harrowing days, making this one of the longest hijacking incidents in history.
Captain Devi Sharan’s Courage Under Pressure
Captain Devi Sharan’s quick thinking and bravery during this ordeal were instrumental in ensuring the safety of the passengers. Despite the immense pressure and danger, he managed to maintain his composure and kept the passengers’ morale high. It was Captain Sharan who first informed the passengers about the hijacking, choosing his words carefully to avoid causing panic.
One of the most intense moments came when the Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) initially denied the plane permission to land. In a brilliant move, Captain Sharan pretended that the plane was on the verge of crash landing, forcing the ATC to relent and allow the aircraft to touch down safely. This decision averted a potential disaster and showcased his remarkable presence of mind.
The Legacy of Captain Devi Sharan
Upon returning to India, Captain Devi Sharan was hailed as a national hero. His ability to remain calm and composed, even when faced with life-threatening danger, earned him widespread admiration. The Indian government, the public, and his own family celebrated his bravery and the crucial role he played in saving 176 lives.
Captain Sharan’s experiences during the hijacking are chronicled in his book, Flight Into Fear, co-written with Srinjoy Chowdhury. This book offers a detailed account of the hijacking, providing insights into the psychological and emotional challenges he faced during the ordeal. It also served as an inspiration for the Netflix series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.”
Vijay Verma’s Portrayal of Captain Sharan
In the Netflix series, actor Vijay Verma steps into the shoes of Captain Devi Sharan. Verma’s portrayal of the captain has been widely praised for its authenticity and depth. To prepare for the role, Verma met with the real Captain Sharan, an encounter that left a lasting impact on him. He was particularly struck by the captain’s simplicity and the quiet strength that belied his heroic actions.
During their meeting, Captain Sharan shared personal anecdotes from the hijacking, including showing Verma a mark on his neck left by one of the hijackers’ guns. This meeting helped Verma connect with the character on a deeper level, allowing him to bring an added layer of realism to his performance.
Verma has spoken about the immense respect he has for Captain Sharan, describing him as a “real-life hero” and expressing his honor at being able to portray such a courageous individual on screen.
A Cinematic Tribute to Heroism
“IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” is more than just a retelling of a historical event—it’s a tribute to the bravery and resilience of those who lived through it. Captain Devi Sharan’s story is a reminder of the extraordinary courage that ordinary people can show in the face of danger. Through the series, viewers are given a glimpse into the mind of a man who, against all odds, managed to keep hope alive and bring his passengers home safely.
As audiences watch Vijay Verma’s portrayal of Captain Sharan, they are not just witnessing a dramatic reenactment—they are seeing the embodiment of a true hero’s spirit. The series stands as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact that one individual’s bravery can have on the lives of many.
