'Captain Courageous': SRK, Salman, Ranveer & Other Stars Salute Smit Machchhar

Mumbai: 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 earlier this week when he foiled his co-pilot's attempt to crash the Israel-bound plane.

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 said Machchhar "stood strong when it mattered the most" and put his own safety on the line 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 hailed the pilot's actions, saying, "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 said the pilot displayed courage by putting 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.

Actor Shahid Kapoor praised Machchhar for showing "so much courage in a moment none of us can truly imagine".

Bhumi Pednekar shared a photo of the flydubai pilot and simply wrote, "I salute your courage."

Vicky Kaushal called Machchhar a "braveheart", while Kriti Sanon said courage was about recognising that "something else is more important than the fear" and saluted the pilot's actions.

Ananya Panday said Machchhar was "a true hero".

Tamannaah Bhatia posted, "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."

In his post on Instagram, Sidharth Malhotra described the pilot's actions as a display of "courage, calm and a true sense of duty".

Rashmika Mandanna said she was at a loss for words at the courage Machchhar showed while fighting for his own life and thinking about others.

"Wishing you strength and a very speedy recovery, Captain Smit. We are so proud of you," she added.

Anil Kapoor said Machchhar's actions were "nothing short of extraordinary".

"It takes immense courage to stay strong and put others first when you're facing something so terrifying yourself. Sending him all my respect and wishing him a speedy recovery."

On Friday, Machchhar spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call from hospital and gave an account of the incident.

Modi praised his bravery, presence of mind and composure, saying the pilot took a split-second decision that helped save the lives of those on board.

The motive behind the co-pilot's alleged attack in still under investigation.