# Jaipur Artist Honours Flydubai Hero Captain Smit Machhar With Lifelike Watercolour Tribute > Celebrated Jaipur painter Chandra Prakash Gupta has created a vivid watercolour portrait of Captain Smit Machhar, celebrating the Indian pilot who thwarted a hijacking attempt aboard a Flydubai flight. **Type:** article · **Category:** Rajasthan · **Published:** 2026-10-07 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/flydubai-vimana-men-apaharana-ki-sajisha-nakama-karane-vale-captain-smit-machhar-ko-jaipur-ke-chitrakara-ne-kainavasa-para-utara-44418 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Smit Machhar, Flydubai, Chandra Prakash Gupta, Jaipur, Watercolour Painting, Hijack Attempt, Kargil War A poignant artistic tribute has emerged from Rajasthan to honour Captain Smit Machhar, the Indian aviator who courageously disrupted a mid-air hijacking attempt aboard a Flydubai passenger service travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the alarming incident, an Omani co-pilot attempted to seize control of the aircraft, but Captain Machhar acted with exceptional composure and bravery to neutralise the threat completely. The captain suffered severe injuries during the violent struggle and is presently undergoing medical treatment while well-wishers across the nation pray for his swift recovery. Moved by this act of selfless heroism, Jaipur-based artist Chandra Prakash Gupta picked up his brushes to immortalise the pilot in a captivating watercolour portrait. ## Watercolour Canvas Captures Aviator's Composure and Valour Renowned for his expertise in the watercolour medium, Chandra Prakash Gupta meticulously translated Captain Machhar's quiet resolve and professional courage onto the canvas. The finished artwork presents a striking, lifelike study of the injured pilot. Gupta shared that hearing how the Indian captain stood firm against direct physical danger filled him with profound national pride. As a painter who communicates deepest emotions through art, he felt an immediate compulsion to work, channeling his admiration into capturing the calm demeanour displayed by Captain Machhar under extreme duress. ## A Standout Example of Professional Devotion Reflecting on the harrowing episode, Gupta noted that Captain Smit Machhar's exemplary conduct serves as an enduring source of inspiration for citizens everywhere. By putting passenger safety above his own survival, the captain protected dozens of innocent lives and elevated the standing of Indian aviation professionals globally. Gupta emphasised that every citizen should draw motivation from such absolute dedication, approaching their own daily duties and social responsibilities with equivalent sincerity. The veteran artist also voiced a personal wish to present the watercolour portrait to Captain Machhar in person whenever an opportunity arises in the future. ## Tribute Tradition Rooted in the Kargil War Chandra Prakash Gupta has been actively immersed in the painting world for the past 45 years, and his practice of honouring national heroes spans multiple decades. Approximately 26 years ago, during the intense fighting of the Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan, the country was gripped by stories of extraordinary military sacrifice. It was during that historic period that Gupta began producing oil paintings dedicated to fallen soldiers. Rather than exhibiting them for commercial gain, he took it upon himself to travel directly to the rural villages of those martyrs to present the portraits to grieving families with utmost dignity. ## Decades of Artistic Contribution Recognised Nationally Across the last 35 years of this dedicated artistic journey, Gupta has completed portraits of more than 400 soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. His steadfast, uncommercial service to memorial art has earned him wide recognition at both regional and national levels. In the year 2000, then President of India K. R. Narayanan formally felicitated Gupta for his distinguished efforts. Following that honour, the Government of Rajasthan conferred its State Award upon him in 2001, alongside the 'Rajasthan Excellence Award' presented by the Rajasthan Books of Records. ## What this means for you This incident and the subsequent artistic tribute underscore the vital importance of individual fortitude in public safety and how society commemorates acts of valour. - **Across India:** The incident bolsters public trust in the crisis readiness and operational discipline of Indian aviation personnel serving internationally. Passengers gain reassurance that well-trained crew members prioritise traveller security even under grave duress. - **In Jaipur:** The tribute highlights the cultural role of local artists in documenting modern heroism and fostering community gratitude. It inspires local cultural practitioners to actively bridge fine art with contemporary real-world courage. - **For Airline Travellers:** The episode highlights the pivotal role of cockpit integrity and situational readiness in air travel. Travellers develop a deeper appreciation for the severe responsibilities carried by airline captains during international flights. - **For Emerging Artists:** The veteran painter's initiative demonstrates how portraiture can serve a higher societal purpose beyond commercial production. It encourages art students to channel public sentiment and historical remembrance into their work. ## Why this happened The sudden in-flight emergency aboard the Flydubai flight and the subsequent tribute from Jaipur stem from specific events and established artistic commitments. - **Direct Trigger:** An Omani co-pilot attempted to hijack the commercial flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv while airborne. Captain Smit Machhar directly engaged the perpetrator, successfully foiling the plot despite sustaining serious physical injuries. - **Artist's Motivation:** Reports detailing the captain's courage and subsequent hospitalisation deeply resonated with veteran painter Chandra Prakash Gupta. Seeking a meaningful way to articulate admiration and solidarity, he promptly created a dedicated watercolour portrait. - **Longstanding Tradition:** Gupta has maintained a dedicated practice of painting portraits of fallen defenders since the 1999 Kargil conflict. Creating this tribute for Captain Machhar represents an organic continuation of his decades-long dedication to celebrating national valor. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. What incident occurred on the Flydubai flight? An Omani co-pilot attempted to hijack a Dubai to Tel Aviv flight, but Indian Captain Smit Machhar successfully thwarted the attempt. ### 2. Which artist created the portrait of Captain Smit Machhar? Jaipur-based artist Chandra Prakash Gupta created a lifelike watercolour portrait honouring Captain Machhar's courage. ### 3. What is Captain Smit Machhar's current condition? He suffered severe injuries while preventing the hijacking attempt and is currently receiving medical care. ### 4. When did painter Chandra Prakash Gupta begin honouring fallen soldiers? He began painting portraits of fallen defenders around 26 years ago during the Kargil War between India and Pakistan. ### 5. How many soldier portraits has Chandra Prakash Gupta painted so far? Over the past 35 years, he has produced portraits of more than 400 martyred soldiers, delivering them directly to their families. ### 6. What awards has artist Chandra Prakash Gupta received? He was honoured by then President K. R. Narayanan in 2000, received the Rajasthan State Award in 2001, and holds the Rajasthan Excellence Award. ## Inspiration & Lessons The actions of Captain Smit Machhar and the lifelong dedication of artist Chandra Prakash Gupta offer enduring practical lessons in courage and purpose. - **Composure Under Crisis:** Staying level-headed in unpredictable emergencies enables sound decision-making when ordinary reactions give way to panic. - **Devotion to Professional Duty:** True commitment to one's responsibilities empowers individuals to protect others and place the collective safety above personal comfort. - **Using Skill for Societal Gratitude:** Applying personal creative talents to honour heroic deeds turns solitary craft into an uplifting public tribute. - **Consistency Over Decades:** Maintaining an uncommercial commitment across decades demonstrates that meaningful legacy is built through steady, selfless dedication. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. 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