'Some heroes work in silence': Jackie Shroff salutes Capt Smit Machchhar's courage after flydubai aviation crisis

Mumbai, Oct 3 (UNI) Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff has commended Captain Smit Machchhar for his heroic bravery after the Indian pilot averted a major tragedy aboard flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which could have been a 9/11 style aviation crisis.

The actor took to his Instagram where he publicy praised Machchhar's courage after details emerged as to how he struggled to reach the cockpit during the mid-life crisis. Jackie wrote in the story caption, "Some heroes work in silence! All my respects to Captain Smit Machchhar and the other brave heroes for saving lives and averting a massive tragedy." Many actors and singers also hailed Machchhar's commendable courage and bravery during the mid-life mishap.

Singer Vishal Mishra acknowledged his valor, highlighting the fact that he continued to act despite sustaining severe injuries. He wrote, "Have been reading about how Captain Smit Machchhar, even while severely injured, fought to save so many lives. Your courage makes all of us proud. Bharat is proud of you. Praying for your speedy recovery. Dil se Pranam."

Actor Varun Dhawan also saluted the captain for his actions. Sharing his appreciation, the actor wrote, "Salute to out Capt. Smit Machchhachar. Your courage and bravery fills all of us with pride. What an inspiration. Jai Hind."

Moreover, many more celebrities commended his valor. Actors Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh also took to Instagram and praised Machchhar's action during the incident. The actors wrote, "Braveheart! Capt Smit Machchhar," and, "CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS," simultaneously. In the posts on X, actors Salman Khan and Anupam Kher also applauded the Captain's brave act.

Salman wrote, "Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain will be a pleasure to fly with u.. Well done bro.. Capt #SmitMachchhar," whereas, Anupam Kher said, "FACE OF A HERO! Courage and heroism have a face now. And that face belongs to Captain Smit Machchhar. Despite being seriously injured himself, he found the strength to fight back and help save almost 180 lives in mid-air. What an extraordinary human being!"

Notably, Captain Smit Machchhar was one of the co-pilots operating flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. He helped avert what could have been a 9/11-style aviation tragedy by foiling an attempt by his Omani co-pilot to crash the aircraft. He reportedly helped save the lives of 174 people on board the flight on September 30.

On October 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure during the mid-air crisis, saying that the captain's actions have shown the world that Indians are willing to risk their own lives to save others. PM Modi highlighted that despite bleeding from his wounds and barely being able to stand, Machchhar crawled to the cockpit door and opened it, helping save 180 lives, which, he said, showed the captain's determination. He further told him that the nation was grateful to him and prayed for his speedy recovery.

The PM said, "The entire country can proudly say that we Indians are not people who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others. You got such a big wound on your body; you were fighting a battle for life and death at that time. Even then, you didn't care about your life; you cared about the lives of all passengers. And most importantly, you increased the respect of 140 crore countrymen, and that is why I feel proud."

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