Recent news about Captain Devi Sharan, the heroic pilot of the IC 814 flight hijacked in 1999, is primarily related to the release of a Netflix series titled IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The series dramatizes the infamous incident and portrays Captain Sharan’s critical role in keeping the passengers safe during the week-long ordeal. Actor Vijay Varma plays the role of Sharan, whose calm demeanor and quick thinking under extreme pressure helped avert further tragedy.
The show has sparked significant attention, bringing renewed focus on Captain Sharan’s bravery. While the series has been generally praised, Sharan has pointed out some inaccuracies. For instance, a scene depicting him fixing clogged plumbing lines was incorrect, as the task was handled by a worker sent by the Taliban. Additionally, a portrayal of former Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh saluting him was exaggerated, though Singh did express his appreciation differently.
Sharan has also shared his lingering regret about the loss of a passenger during the hijacking, which still haunts him 25 years later. Despite this, he views his decisions during the crisis, particularly his daring landing in Lahore, as crucial in saving lives.
Captain Sharan retired from Air India in 2020 after a distinguished career, but his legacy remains a point of public interest, especially with the Netflix series reigniting discussion about the harrowing event
devi sharan biography
Devi Sharan, a distinguished Indian pilot born in 1962 in New Delhi, has made notable contributions to the aviation industry over the course of his career. At 62 years of age (as of 2024), Sharan is known not only for his expertise in aviation but also for his unwavering commitment to air safety. He stands 5’10” (178 cm) tall, with a dignified appearance characterized by salt-and-pepper hair and black eyes. His reputation was further solidified in 2000 when he was honored with the prestigious Air Safety Award from an American organization, recognizing his exceptional contributions to maintaining and promoting aviation safety standards.
In his personal life, Devi Sharan is married to Navneet, and they have built a life together in New Delhi. The couple is blessed with two daughters, Diksha Sharan and Ashna Sharan, both of whom share a close bond with their parents. Despite his achievements in aviation, Sharan remains deeply rooted in his family life, continuing to reside in his hometown. His mother has also played a pivotal role in shaping his values and life philosophy.
Throughout his career, Sharan has earned immense respect within the aviation community, not just for his technical skills but for his leadership and dedication to the cause of safer skies. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the industry, inspiring many young aviators to follow in his footsteps.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Devi Sharan |
| Age | 62 Years |
| Hometown | New Delhi |
| Profession | Pilot |
| Height | 5′ 10″ (178 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Salt and Pepper |
| Date of Birth | Year 1962 |
| Birthplace | New Delhi |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Navneet |
| Children | 2 Daughters: – Diksha Sharan – Ashna Sharan |
| Parents | Not specified |
| Award | Air Safety Award from an American Organization (2000) |
Captain Devi Sharan is a name that has been etched into Indian aviation history, particularly due to his heroic role in the IC 814 hijacking incident that took place in December 1999. He was the pilot of the ill-fated Indian Airlines flight, which was hijacked by five armed men soon after it left Kathmandu, Nepal, for New Delhi, India. Over the years, his story has resurfaced multiple times in documentaries, interviews, and now through a Netflix series titled IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, where his role was brought to life by actor Vijay Varma. This response provides detailed insights into Captain Devi Sharan’s personal life, professional career, the hijacking ordeal, and how the events of those seven harrowing days continue to impact his legacy.
Early Life and Family
Captain Devi Sharan was born in a village in Haryana, India, to a farmer’s family. Growing up in a modest household, he was the youngest boy among his siblings, and his passion for aviation would eventually take him far beyond his rural roots. Sharan pursued a career in aviation and worked for Indian Airlines, which later merged with Air India. His journey in the skies was marked by dedication, and by 1993, he had been promoted to captain, commanding a Boeing 737. Over time, he took charge of larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A300
Captain Devi Sharan is married to Navneet Kaur, a woman who stood by him throughout the IC 814 crisis. In multiple interviews, Sharan has praised his wife’s strength and support, especially during the nerve-wracking week when she had to endure not knowing the fate of her husband and the 176 passengers on board the hijacked flight. Although his public accounts tend to focus more on the technicalities of the hijacking and his career, Navneet’s role as a pillar of emotional support is often mentioned as a key aspect of how Sharan and his family navigated the crisis
The IC 814 Hijacking Incident
On December 24, 1999, IC 814, an Indian Airlines flight carrying 176 passengers and 15 crew members, was hijacked by five terrorists soon after it entered Indian airspace. The hijackers belonged to the Pakistan-based terrorist group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and were armed with guns, knives, and grenades. For the next seven days, Captain Devi Sharan was held at gunpoint while he navigated the aircraft to various destinations, including Lahore, Dubai, and eventually Kandahar in Afghanistan.
Throughout the hijacking, Sharan was the point of communication between the hijackers and the ground authorities. He used his quick thinking and calm demeanor to manage the situation as best as possible. At one point, while flying over Lahore, Pakistan, after being denied permission to land, Sharan made a daring decision. He flew so low over the city that the Pakistani air traffic control (ATC), fearing a crash, eventually allowed the plane to land. His actions are widely credited with preventing a disaster, as the aircraft was running dangerously low on fuel
During the week-long standoff in Kandahar, where the Taliban controlled the airport, Sharan and his crew worked to keep the passengers calm. However, despite all efforts, a passenger named Rupin Katyal was killed by the hijackers, an event that Sharan later said was his biggest regret. He has often expressed that losing even one life in such a situation was a heavy burden to bear, and he continues to be haunted by the thought of not being able to save that passenger.
Life After the Hijacking
Despite the trauma of the hijacking, Captain Sharan returned to work after a brief hiatus. His love for flying and his dedication to his profession remained unwavering. Over the years, Sharan has continued to be a prominent figure in Indian aviation. After nearly four decades in the cockpit, he retired from Air India in 2020. By this time, his two daughters, Diksha and Ashna, had followed in his footsteps and become pilots as well. The Sharan family’s deep connection to aviation is a testament to Sharan’s enduring legacy in the field
In 2000, Sharan co-authored a book titled Flight Into Fear with Srinjoy Chowdhury, where he recounted the events of the IC 814 hijacking in detail. The book served as the basis for various documentaries and news reports over the years. His courageous actions during the crisis earned him national recognition, including the AIMA Public Service Excellence Award and an air safety award from the United States
Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack
In 2024, Netflix released IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, a series that dramatizes the events of the hijacking. Actor Vijay Varma portrays Captain Devi Sharan in the series, and while the show has received praise for its gripping narrative, Sharan has pointed out some inaccuracies. For example, one scene shows him fixing clogged plumbing lines on the aircraft, which in reality was done by a worker sent by the Taliban. Additionally, the show depicted former Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh saluting Sharan, but according to Sharan, this gesture was exaggerated
The release of the series brought renewed public interest in the IC 814 hijacking, with many reflecting on the bravery and resilience shown by Sharan and his crew. Sharan has noted that passengers still recognize him from time to time when they hear his name announced on flights, and the series has led to an outpouring of messages and calls from people who were touched by his story
Captain Sharan’s Legacy
As of 2024, Captain Devi Sharan is 64 years old and enjoying his retirement. While the scars of the hijacking, both emotional and physical (he has a mark on his neck from where the hijackers held a gun to his throat), remain, Sharan continues to be a symbol of calm leadership under immense pressure. His actions during the IC 814 crisis saved countless lives, and his story remains a powerful example of bravery in the face of terror. His legacy also lives on through his daughters, who, like him, have taken to the skies as commercial pilots
In conclusion, Captain Devi Sharan’s story is one of heroism, composure, and enduring legacy. His role in the IC 814 hijacking incident remains one of the most extraordinary episodes in aviation history, and his calm under pressure continues to inspire not just those in the aviation industry, but anyone faced with extreme adversity.
