Shobhinaw Satyaa, the actor who played Neem Karoli Baba in the hit film Hanuman Ansh, has publicly praised Captain Smit Machchhar for the courage he showed during a terrifying mid-air attack aboard a Flydubai flight. The pilot, who was seriously injured when his co-pilot attacked him on September 30, later revealed that reciting the Hanuman Chalisa gave him the strength to fight back and save the lives of 174 passengers. Satyaa said the pilot’s story has made the faith of millions even stronger.
What Did Shobhinaw Satyaa Say About Captain Smit Machchhar
Speaking at an India Today event, Shobhinaw Satyaa shared his thoughts on the pilot’s bravery. He said that growing up, people heard stories of heroes from long ago, but this incident proved that real heroes still walk among us.
“We have grown up listening to stories of bravery. But those stories often made us feel that such things happened a long time ago, that there were people like that in the past. Incidents like these remind us that heroes still exist.”
The actor also spoke about how Captain Machchhar’s decision to share his faith publicly touched him deeply.
“The bigger thing was that he also made us realise the power of the Hanuman Chalisa. When that man recited the Hanuman Chalisa there, he touched upon something that is a matter of faith for us.”
Satyaa revealed that after watching the pilot’s video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he recorded a video of his own and shared it on social media to thank the captain.
“I thanked him a lot for bringing this out in the open. He made our faith, which was already so strong, even more unshakeable.”
What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073
The incident took place on September 30, 2026, aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers on board. According to reports, Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot, an Omani national, who used a crash axe kept in the cockpit for emergencies.
The attack left Machchhar seriously injured. The aircraft sent out emergency signals and dropped more than 17,000 feet from an altitude of 34,000 feet. Despite lying injured on the cockpit floor, Machchhar realised the plane was going down fast. He made what was described as “one last push” to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and restrain the attacker.
Two reserve pilots then took control of the aircraft and landed it safely at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot was taken into custody, while Machchhar was first treated at a nearby hospital and later airlifted to Abu Dhabi for further care.
Captain Smit Machchhar’s Emotional Call With PM Modi
On October 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi. The pilot, with his head bandaged and tubes in his nose, became emotional as he recalled the attack. He told the Prime Minister that he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during those difficult moments.
“Whenever I am in pain, I recite the Hanuman Chalisa. At that time too, I only kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.”
Machchhar also told Modi that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa every day with his two-year-old son. He shared that Lord Hanuman gave him the courage to keep fighting.
“I was fighting for my life. I realised at that time that if I won’t show courage, then 170 passengers will lose their lives.”
PM Modi praised the pilot’s bravery and told him that the whole country was praying for his recovery. The Prime Minister also spoke about Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, and said she had raised him with the values of the Bhagavad Gita.
How Hanuman Ansh Became A Box Office Success
Hanuman Ansh, directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, has become one of the biggest surprise hits of the year. Made on a modest budget of less than Rs 2 crore, the devotional film has earned around Rs 450 crore at the worldwide box office. The film’s success has also led to a rise in visitors at Kainchi Dham, the spiritual site linked to Neem Karoli Baba in Uttarakhand.
Shobhinaw Satyaa‘s portrayal of Neem Karoli Baba in the film brought him widespread recognition. His decision to speak out about Captain Machchhar’s faith has further connected the film’s message with a real-life story of courage.
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Israeli Singer Records Hanuman Chalisa Tribute For The Pilot
The story of Captain Machchhar’s faith has travelled far beyond India. Ben Raivitz, an Israeli singer known for his interest in Indian classical music, recorded his own version of the Hanuman Chalisa and shared it on Instagram as a tribute to the pilot.
“Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian hero that saved so many lives and prevented a catastrophe. I want to dedicate this to him and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
The tribute went viral, with people from both India and Israel praising the gesture. Comments poured in from users who were moved by the singer’s voice and the meaning behind the performance.
Where Is Captain Smit Machchhar Now
Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi after undergoing surgery. The Ministry of External Affairs shared an update stating that the Indian Embassy in the UAE has been in regular touch with him and his family. The flydubai CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said that authorities are conducting an official investigation into the incident, supported by the airline.
The co-pilot involved in the attack remains in custody in Saudi Arabia. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash have both praised Machchhar for his actions, with Gargash calling it a “true hero” response to a “terrorist act”.
Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana Calls for More Small-Budget Films Like Hanuman Ansh and Obsession at FICCI Frames
The story of Captain Smit Machchhar continues to inspire people across the world, showing how faith and courage can shine even in the darkest moments. For more stories that connect entertainment with real-life heroes, keep reading VvipTimes.
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