IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack: Who Is Devi Sharan? Meet The Heroic Pilot Who Inspired Vijay Varma's Character

Who Is Devi Sharan: Brace yourself to witness yet another gripping drama on your screens that is based on a bone-chilling real-life incident. Titled 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack', the limited series on Netflix stars Vijay Varma in the lead. The versatile actor will bring Captain Devi Sharan's heroic courage on screen with this 6-episde series. Here's all you need to know about the man who inspired Vijay's character in the show.

Is IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Based On A True Incident?

Directed by Anubhav Sinha (Article 15 fame), IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack chronicles one of India's most dreadful chapter, when the Indian Airlines Flight 814 (aka IC 814) was hijacked in 1999 while flying from Kathmandu to Delhi. The plane was hijacked by 5 masked men and was diverted to different stops before finally landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

The limited series is adapted from the book 'Flight Into Fear' by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury.

Meet Devi Sharan; The Man Who Inspired Vijay Varma's Character In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack

But who is Devi Sharan? The then-37-year-old Captain Devi Sharan was the pilot of the Indian Airlines Flight 814 when 188 passengers along with the crew members were hijacked by 5 masked men and were held hostages for 7 days. The flight was piloted by Devi Sharan and first officer Rajinder Kumar, alongside flight engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia.

In the book, Devi had recalled the scariest moment from the hijacking incident was when the Lahore ATC refused his request for an emergency landing and switched off all emergency lights. At that moment, crash-landing was the only option left for him as the aircraft was dangerously low on fuel.

Vijay Varma Shares Pics With Real-Life Devi Sharan

A couple of days ago, reel-life Devi Sharan Vijay Varma shared some pics with real-life Devi Sharan on his Instagram.

Calling it a 'huge honor' to depict 'Captain Devi Sharan on screen', Vijay penned a lengthy note that read, "Real and Reel Captain Sharan 👨🏻‍✈️👨🏻‍✈️ When I first met captain.. I was taken in by his pleasant smile and his simplicity.. and then I saw a scar on his neck.. I asked him about it.. he simply and politely said "woh hijackers ki gun 7 din tak yahi ragadti rahi toh wound ho gaya tha jo heal nahi hua" I froze. He smiled. I knew I was talking to a real life hero. It was such a huge honour to get to depict Captain Devi Sharan on screen. His efforts to save lives amidst chaos and dread is truly inspiring! A tale of resilience and honour.. of critical thinking and duty.. of patience and hope and most of all.. bravery. We salute you captain 🫡"