Javed Akhtar says Captain Smit Machchhar deserves Maha Vir Chakra
Synopsis
Javed Akhtar says Captain Smit Machchhar — who reportedly fought off an attacking co-pilot mid-air on a Flydubai flight and safely diverted the plane — deserves the Maha Vir Chakra. With PM Modi calling him a hero and Bollywood rallying behind him, a national conversation about formally honouring a civilian aviator with a military-grade award has begun.
Key Takeaways
Javed Akhtar said Captain Smit Machchhar deserves the Maha Vir Chakra , India's second-highest military honour, for his actions during the mid-air incident.
Machchhar allegedly subdued an attacking co-pilot on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv , with the aircraft safely diverted to Saudi Arabia .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Machchhar a 'hero' and said his bravery prevented a ' 9/11-like attack .' Several Bollywood celebrities including R.
Madhavan , Vijay Deverakonda , and Kangana Ranaut also praised the pilot.
Machchhar reportedly underwent surgery and remains in stable condition in Saudi Arabia; originally from Mumbai , he has over a decade of Boeing 737 experience.
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has publicly praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who reportedly subdued an attacking co-pilot mid-air aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, calling him worthy of one of India's highest military honours.
What Akhtar Said
Taking to Instagram, Akhtar expressed his admiration for the pilot's conduct under extreme duress. 'Hats off to Smit Machchhar!! Undoubtedly he deserves an award like Maha Vir Chakra,' he wrote. The Maha Vir Chakra is India's second-highest military decoration, awarded to armed forces personnel for exceptional acts of bravery in the face of the enemy — a comparison that underscores just how seriously the veteran writer views Machchhar's actions.
What Allegedly Happened on the Flight
According to reports, Captain Machchhar was at the controls of the Flydubai aircraft when the co-pilot allegedly attacked him and attempted to seize control of the plane. Despite sustaining injuries, Machchhar reportedly resisted, with passengers and crew members also intervening. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia, averting what could have been a catastrophic outcome.
PM Modi and Bollywood Rally Behind the Pilot
The incident has drawn an outpouring of support from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Machchhar as a 'hero,' stating that his bravery helped save lives and prevent a major tragedy. In a post on social media, Modi said: 'Captain Smit Machchhar has shown the world the highest form of courage. Without fearing for his own life, he fought valiantly and prevented another 9/11 like attack from happening. 140 crore Indians salute Captain Smit and are praying for his well-being.'
Several Bollywood personalities also expressed admiration, including R. Madhavan, Paresh Rawal, Vijay Deverakonda, Sonam Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Shilpa Shetty, Jackie Shroff, and Kangana Ranaut. Madhavan wished Machchhar a speedy recovery, while Deverakonda praised his resolve and offered prayers for his well-being.
Machchhar's Condition and Background
Captain Machchhar reportedly underwent surgery following the incident and remains in stable condition, continuing to receive medical care in Saudi Arabia. Originally from Mumbai, he is a seasoned commercial aviator with more than a decade of experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft. His calm response under attack has been widely cited as the reason the flight ended without further casualties.
What Happens Next
The incident remains under investigation by the relevant aviation authorities. As public and political attention intensifies, calls for a formal government recognition of Machchhar's courage — civilian or otherwise — are expected to grow in the days ahead.
Point of View
But it rarely makes headlines. With PM Modi already using the phrase '9/11-like attack,' the political pressure to formalise recognition will mount quickly, and the government's response — or inaction — will be watched closely. The incident also shines a light on cockpit security protocols on international routes, a conversation the civil aviation sector may not welcome but cannot avoid.
NationPress
2 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Captain Smit Machchhar?
Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian commercial pilot originally from Mumbai with more than a decade of experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft. He was reportedly piloting a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the alleged mid-air attack by the co-pilot occurred.
What happened on the Flydubai flight?
According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar and attempted to seize control of the aircraft mid-flight. Despite being injured, Machchhar reportedly resisted with help from passengers and crew, after which the flight was diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
What did Javed Akhtar say about Captain Smit Machchhar?
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar posted on Instagram that Captain Machchhar deserves recognition equivalent to the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest military honour. He wrote: 'Hats off to Smit Machchhar!! Undoubtedly he deserves an award like Maha Vir Chakra.'
What did PM Modi say about the incident?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Captain Machchhar a 'hero' and credited his bravery with saving lives and preventing what he described as a '9/11-like attack.' Modi said 140 crore Indians were saluting the pilot and praying for his recovery.
What is the Maha Vir Chakra?
The Maha Vir Chakra is India's second-highest military decoration, awarded to armed forces personnel for exceptional acts of bravery in the face of the enemy. Akhtar's invocation of the award for a civilian pilot has sparked a broader conversation about how India honours extraordinary civilian courage.
