# Israeli-American Musician Itay Benda Learns Hindi Song to Honour Heroic Indian Flydubai Pilot Captain Smit Machhar

> Expressing gratitude to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machhar who saved 174 lives during an in-flight terror bid on a Flydubai flight, musician Itay Benda specially learned and sang a Hindi song in tribute.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Trends · **Published:** 2026-10-05 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/trends/flydubai-ke-bahadura-bharatiya-payalata-captain-smit-machhar-ke-sammana-men-israeli-american-gayaka-itay-benda-ne-gaya-tujha-men-r-43478 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Captain Smit Machhar, Flydubai, Itay Benda, Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai, Aviation Security, Shah Rukh Khan

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.

## What this means for you
This incident underscores the vital importance of aviation security measures and swift emergency response protocols on commercial flights.

- **For Air Travellers:** Strict cockpit security measures and emergency response systems remain crucial for preserving passenger lives during unexpected mid-air crises. Travellers can take reassurance in the strict training protocols and quick intervention capabilities maintained aboard commercial airliners.
- **For Cross-Cultural Goodwill:** The musical gesture demonstrates how acts of valour can transcend geographical borders and foster mutual respect. It provides an inspiring example of shared international gratitude following a severe crisis.
- **For Aviation Crew:** The incident emphasizes the critical need for constant vigilance, robust cockpit access controls, and emergency operational handovers. Airlines continually evaluate crew preparedness and response measures to prevent unauthorized flight takeovers.
- **For the Indian Diaspora:** The professionalism displayed by an Indian commander on an international carrier has drawn widespread global admiration. It highlights the competence and resilience of Indian aviators serving across international airlines.

## Why this happened
The crisis occurred due to a violent, premeditated attempt by the co-pilot to seize command of the commercial airliner mid-flight.

- **Violent Cockpit Assault:** During flight FZ1073 on September 30, 2026, the Omani co-pilot carried out a terror attempt by striking Captain Smit Machhar with the onboard crash axe. His immediate objective was to incapacitate the commander and gain sole control of the aircraft.
- **Decisive Commander Intervention:** Although gravely wounded, Captain Machhar managed to release the cockpit door lock, allowing crew members and passengers to rush inside and restrain the attacker. This crucial move prevented the assailant from locking himself inside the flight deck.
- **Off-Duty Pilot Takeover:** Two off-duty commercial pilots travelling as passengers stepped forward to regain control of the descending Boeing jet and diverted it safely to Tabuk Airport. Their immediate intervention ensured the safe evacuation of all 174 passengers.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Which song did Itay Benda perform to honour Captain Smit Machhar?
Itay Benda performed 'Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai' from the 2008 movie 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'.

### 2. What happened aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073?
On September 30, 2026, an Omani co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machhar with a crash axe in an attempt to hijack control of the Tel Aviv-bound flight.

### 3. How did Captain Machhar save the 174 passengers?
Despite sustaining severe wounds, he unlocked the cockpit door, enabling crew and passengers to enter and overpower the attacker.

### 4. Where did the aircraft make its emergency landing?
Two off-duty commercial pilots travelling as passengers took control and landed the plane safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

### 5. What is Captain Smit Machhar's background and flight experience?
Hailing from Gujarat, he has roughly 15 years of flying experience, including nearly 9,750 hours on the Boeing 737.

### 6. Which world leaders commended Captain Machhar's bravery?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both praised his courage in preventing a major tragedy.

## Inspiration & Lessons
Captain Smit Machhar's valour and Itay Benda's musical tribute demonstrate exceptional professionalism, courage, and universal human gratitude.

- **Duty Above Self:** Despite suffering grievous injuries, Captain Machhar prioritized passenger safety by unlocking the flight deck door. His actions demonstrate how unwavering dedication to duty can prevail over personal peril.
- **Decisive Presence of Mind:** Instead of succumbing to panic, the captain made a critical, split-second decision that enabled intervention. Maintaining focus during severe crises is essential to preventing total disaster.
- **Gratitude Knows No Borders:** Musician Itay Benda crossed linguistic boundaries by learning Hindi to thank a hero in his native cultural context. This highlights how sincere appreciation and respect unite people across nations.

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