‘You’re My Biggest Idol’: Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Tells PM Modi How Hanuman Chalisa Helped During Crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call on Friday and praised the pilot for his courage, presence of mind and composure during a mid-air crisis.

The interaction came two days after Machchhar was seriously injured after allegedly being stabbed by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

During the emotional conversation, Machchhar told Modi that the Prime Minister was his “biggest idol” and recalled reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting to regain control of the situation aboard the aircraft.

Machchhar became emotional while speaking to Modi and described the conversation as a very special moment. He said receiving the Prime Minister’s call made him extremely proud and that he had never imagined he would get an opportunity to speak with him.

‘Biggest Idol’: Smit Tells PM Modi About Hanuman Chalisa

Modi told Machchhar that the entire country was praying for his recovery and praised him for his courage during the crisis.

Machchhar said that whenever he faces difficulties, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa. He told the Prime Minister that he continued reciting it even during the cockpit emergency.

“Whenever I get a chance, I say only one thing, I say only Hanuman Chalisa. Even at that time, I used to say only Hanuman Chalisa,” Machchhar told Modi.

He also credited his faith for helping him remain positive during the difficult moments.

Modi spoke about Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, and said she had raised him with the values and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

During the conversation, Machchhar also briefed the Prime Minister about the incident and explained what gave him the courage to respond despite being seriously injured.

‘I Was Fighting For My Life’: Smit Recalls Cockpit Attack

Machchhar described to Modi how he realised that the aircraft was losing altitude while he was injured and on the cockpit floor.

“I was fighting for my life,” Machchhar said while recalling the incident.

He explained that his 11 years of experience as a captain helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft even when he was unable to stand.