IC 814 Captain Devi Sharan reveals he was a ‘totally changed person’ after the Kandahar Hijack

The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814, which occurred on December 24, 1999, remains one of the most significant events in Indian aviation history and the recent release of the series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ has shed light on the same.

The series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is based on Captain Sharan's memoir Flight Into Fear, co-written with journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury. Despite the series receiving acclaim, it has also faced criticism for taking creative liberties with the factual narrative, leading to public outcry and government scrutiny.
In a recent interaction with Netflix, Captain Devi Sharan shared his insights and experiences from the harrowing IC 814 hijack with actor Vijay Varma, who portrayed him in the series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. Their discussion centered on the profound lessons learned from the traumatic event, revealing how it reshaped Captain Sharan's outlook on life.

During the conversation, Varma inquired about Sharan's return to flying after the incident. Sharan recounted, “I was back in after four days.” This swift return to the cockpit was a deliberate choice, motivated by advice from a close friend who urged him to fly again before the traumatic memories could take root as a phobia. Sharan reflected on how the hijacking transformed him, stating, “I was a totally changed person. I started appreciating even the smallest things in my life.”
Before the hijack, Sharan admitted that he often overlooked the little joys and took many aspects of life for granted. The experience forced him to confront the unpredictability of life, leading to a newfound appreciation for every moment. “Those 7-8 days were a learning experience, for sure,” he noted, emphasizing that he now endeavors to live life to the fullest alongside his family.

The cast of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack also features notable actors such as Arvind Swamy, Naseeruddin Shah,Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Dia Mirza, Aditya Srivastava, Kumud Mishra and others.


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