In an emotional tribute to the extraordinary courage of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machhar, who thwarted a dangerous mid-air terror attempt to save 174 lives aboard a Flydubai jet, Israeli-American musician Itay Benda learned Hindi to sing the popular track 'Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai'. The song, famously picturised on Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, was recorded and shared online by Benda as a personal gesture of gratitude. Sharing the video clip, the musician noted that this musical effort was his modest way of expressing thanks. The recording quickly gained widespread attention across social networks, earning praise for Benda's heartfelt gesture and clear Hindi pronunciation.
A Musical Tribute Dedicated to Captain Machhar and Indians Worldwide
The soulful track was originally sung by playback singer Roop Kumar Rathod for the 2008 romantic drama 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'. Benda formally dedicated his rendition to Captain Smit Machhar and to Indians residing across the globe. Commentators on social platforms observed that the song was an exquisitely fitting choice for honouring such bravery. Several listeners highlighted how touching the gesture was, while others thanked the musician on behalf of the Indian community for taking the time to learn the language and perform the melody with genuine warmth.
Mid-Air Terror Plot on Flydubai Flight FZ1073
The tribute follows the harrowing incident that unfolded on September 30, 2026, when Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying 174 passengers. Mid-flight, the aircraft's Omani co-pilot launched a violent assault against Captain Machhar inside the cockpit. While initial accounts suggested a knife attack, the United Arab Emirates Attorney General later clarified that the co-pilot attempted an act of terror by striking the captain with the aircraft's onboard crash axe in a bid to seize complete control of the plane.
Despite suffering severe wounds and profuse bleeding, Captain Machhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling cabin crew and passengers to rush inside and overpower the assailant. Two off-duty commercial pilots travelling as regular passengers stepped in to assume command of the aircraft. During the struggle, the airliner had experienced a rapid loss of altitude, but the replacement crew successfully executed an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, ensuring all 174 passengers remained safe.
Veteran Aviator from Gujarat Hailed by Global Leaders
Captain Smit Machhar, who hails from Gujarat, is an experienced aviator with approximately 15 years in civil aviation. His career includes nearly 9,750 flight hours logged specifically on the Boeing 737 aircraft. Prior to joining Flydubai in 2022, he served as a Line Training Captain with SpiceJet. Following the emergency landing, Machhar received urgent medical care in Saudi Arabia before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment.
His fortitude earned immediate praise from world leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Captain Machhar as a hero, commending his supreme bravery in saving lives despite enduring grievous injuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also voiced deep appreciation for the pilot's gallantry, noting that his swift intervention prevented a monumental catastrophe.
