Anubhav Sinha’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is facing criticism on the internet for “misinformation” in its content. Starring Vijay Varma, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Pahwa and Patralekha, the drama series is based on the hijacking of the Kathmandu-Delhi Air India flight in 1999. A couple survived the IC 814 hijacking at that time and now their daughter is training to become a pilot. Shivangi Menon, who aspires to be a pilot, said she wants to learn how to deal with such situations.
According to a News18 report, Shivangi Menon, who is undergoing training at Air India Express, is a junior first officer there. Shivangi revealed how the 1999 hijack incident inspired the trainee pilot to continue her journey. This has come to light amid the buzz for the film starring Vijay Varma.
Describing the IC 814 hijacking as a “transitioning moment” in India’s aviation sector, Shivangi recalled that she had initially asked her parents, who had experienced the hijacking while returning from their honeymoon. The trainee pilot then researched about the incident on the Internet. Shivangi also watched a documentary on National Geographic in which she saw shots of her parents returning home.
“I wanted to know how to deal with such a situation. Today, we are well trained in anti-kidnapping operations. I want to do the same for my country,” she told the portal.
Shivangi’s father Bipin Menon said that when she was 5 years old, she heard her parents talking about the 1999 plane hijacking. He said that the trainee pilot had decided to join the aviation sector while studying in class 11.
Bipin said he saw the hijackers when the passengers were sitting in the lounge after the flight was delayed. The IC 814 hijack survivor said the hijackers were “watching” the passengers and later became uncomfortable. However, he did not pay much attention to the moment.
Bipin further said that he feels “impressed” by his daughter as she has chosen a profession in which there are not many women. It is reported that the trainee pilot is ready to fly in a few days.
Former RAW chief AS Dulat has pointed out several inaccuracies in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, including that Indian intelligence agencies were tipped off about the hijack. Refuting this claim, Dulat told The Print that they were not given “any warning”.
Have you seen IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack yet?
Also read: IC 814: Kandahar Hijack: Vijay Verma compares success of the series to a ‘boxoffice tsunami’; congratulates Anubhav Sinha for ‘Aapko Superhit Hua Hai’
