Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor has expressed his admiration for Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar following the reported cockpit incident that left the pilot seriously injured. Sharing a photograph of Machchhar in the cockpit on social media, Kapoor praised his courage and presence of mind while recalling a conversation with his friend Jalal, who had known the pilot since their flying-school days.
Anil Kapoor Recalls Pilot’s Early Reputation
Kapoor said Jalal had previously told him that Machchhar was someone he would want beside him during a difficult situation. Reflecting on that observation, the actor said it made him think about how early the pilot’s courage and reliability had been recognized by people who knew him.
Kapoor described Machchhar’s response during the reported emergency as extraordinary and said it took considerable courage to remain focused on others while dealing with a frightening situation himself. He also extended his respect to the pilot and wished him a speedy recovery.
What Happened Aboard the Flydubai Flight
According to the supplied report, Machchhar was piloting flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls.
The Boeing 737 reportedly had 174 people aboard. During the incident, the aircraft experienced a rapid descent, after which crew members and passengers became involved in the response. Despite suffering injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, enabling others to enter and restrain the co-pilot.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely, according to the report. The details concerning the alleged attack and cockpit events are presented here as reported and attributed rather than as independently verified findings.
Pilot Receives Praise From Public Figures
Machchhar’s reported actions have drawn messages of support from several public figures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also reported to have spoken with the pilot while he was receiving treatment and publicly praised his courage and presence of mind.
A number of Bollywood personalities have similarly shared messages of appreciation, including R. Madhavan, Paresh Rawal, Vijay Deverakonda, Sonam Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Shilpa Shetty, Jackie Shroff and Kangana Ranaut.
Their reactions have added to the public attention surrounding the pilot and the reported events aboard the flight.
Machchhar Continues Medical Recovery
Following the incident, Machchhar initially received medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk. The report said he was in stable condition before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment and recovery.
Kapoor’s message adds another voice from the entertainment industry to the growing number of public tributes for the pilot. His post focused not only on what happened during the flight but also on the impression Machchhar had made on people who knew him before the incident.
The actor’s reference to his friend Jalal’s experience with Machchhar also highlighted how personal accounts from the pilot’s earlier flying-school years have shaped the public understanding of his character during the reported emergency.