Javed Akhtar Praises Captain Smit Machchhar, Says Pilot Deserves Award Like Maha Vir Chakra
Veteran lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has praised Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during an alleged cockpit attack on a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, saying the Indian pilot deserves recognition comparable to the Maha Vir Chakra.
Mumbai, October 2: Veteran lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during an alleged mid-air incident involving a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Taking to Instagram, Akhtar lauded Machchhar’s courage and expressed the view that the pilot should be recognized for his actions. “Hats off to Smit Machchhar!! Undoubtedly he deserves an award like Maha Vir Chakra,” Akhtar wrote.
For the unversed, the Maha Vir Chakra is India’s second-highest military honour and is awarded to members of the armed forces for exceptional acts of bravery in the face of the enemy. Captain Smit Machchhar Tells PM Narendra Modi What Gave Him Courage During Flydubai Mid-Air Attack.
Javed Akhtar Praises Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar
Hats off to Smit Machchar !! Undoubtedly he deserves an award like Maha veer chakra .
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) October 2, 2026
Machchhar was reportedly piloting the Flydubai flight when the co-pilot allegedly attacked him and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite being injured, the captain managed to respond to the situation, while passengers and crew members intervened. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Captain Smit Machchhar’s actions have drawn praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Bollywood celebrities, who took to social media to commend the Indian pilot’s courage. PM Modi called Machchhar a “hero” and said his actions helped save lives and avert a major tragedy. Flydubai Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar ‘In Good Health and Recovering Well’ in UAE Hospital, Says Indian Envoy.
Modi tweeted, “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.”
Actors including R. Madhavan, Paresh Rawal, Vijay Deverakonda, Sonam Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Shilpa Shetty, Jackie Shroff and Kangana Ranaut also expressed their admiration for Machchhar. Madhavan wished the captain a speedy recovery, while Deverakonda praised his actions and prayed for his well-being.
Machchhar reportedly underwent surgery after the incident and remains in stable condition as he continues to receive medical care in Saudi Arabia. Originally from Mumbai, he is an experienced commercial pilot who has spent more than a decade flying Boeing 737 aircraft.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2026 02:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
