Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh and several other Bollywood personalities have praised flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind during an alleged mid-air attack earlier this week.
Machchhar was seriously injured after being stabbed by his co-pilot in the cockpit of flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.
Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan laud pilot
Shah Rukh Khan said Machchhar "stood strong when it mattered the most" and risked his own safety to protect those on board.
"It's not easy to stare adversity in the face and put one's safety on the line. But you did just that to protect those onboard and showed us what being a Captain entails. A true display of courage and duty. Wishing you a speedy recovery, the country is proud of you," the actor wrote on X.
Salman Khan also praised the pilot, writing, "Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain (You've done an incredible job, pilotji. We all salute you for your courage)... will be a pleasure to fly with u.. Well done bro.. Capt #SmitMachchhar."
Ranveer Singh shared a photograph of Machchhar on his Instagram Stories and called him "Captain Courageous".
Karan Johar said the pilot put the lives of others before his own.
"It takes another grain of courage to be fighting for your own life but in that split second, put the lives of all others before yours. And that's what captain Smit Machchhar did in the face of the toughest times. And for that, the entire country & humankind is behind you!" he posted on Instagram.
More actors extend support
Shahid Kapoor praised Machchhar for showing "so much courage in a moment none of us can truly imagine", while Bhumi Pednekar wrote, "I salute your courage."
Vicky Kaushal called him a "braveheart", while Kriti Sanon saluted his actions. Ananya Panday described Machchhar as "a true hero".
Tamannaah Bhatia wrote, "Imagine being injured, fighting for your own life and still thinking about the 174 lives that are relying on you. Captain Smit Machchhar, so much respect. Praying for your recovery."
Sidharth Malhotra described the incident as a display of "courage, calm and a true sense of duty". Rashmika Mandanna wished him a speedy recovery, while Anil Kapoor called his actions "nothing short of extraordinary".
PM Modi speaks to Machchhar
On Friday, Machchhar spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call from hospital and recounted the incident.
Modi praised his bravery, presence of mind and composure, saying the pilot's split-second decision helped save the lives of those on board.
The motive behind the co-pilot's alleged attack is still under investigation.