{
  "id": 11584385,
  "title": "Salman Khan praises hero pilot Smit Machchhar: 'Well done bro'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/salman-khan-praises-hero-pilot-smit-machchhar-well-done-bro",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T01:58:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/salman-khan-salutes-hero-pilot-smit-machchhar-after-averting-flydubai-crisis-says-well-done-bro/articleshow/134650399.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has extended his admiration to Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who valiantly saved over 100 lives during a tumultuous FlyDubai flight. The actor praised Machchhar's heroic actions on his X handle, commending his skills and expressing his desire to fly with him again. \"Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain,\" Salman wrote, adding \"Well done bro\" and calling out to Captain Smit Machchhar.\n\nIn September, Machchhar was flying FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him mid-air. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and enable passengers and crew members to restrain the attacker. The aircraft was eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where all 170 passengers and crew safely reached the ground.\n\nSalman's praise joins a chorus of Indian celebrities who have publicly acknowledged Machchhar's bravery. Shilpa Shetty and Jackie Shroff also honored the pilot, with Shroff calling him one of the many unsung heroes. Meanwhile, Salman is currently busy with his ongoing commitments including the shoot for Bigg Boss and his upcoming action film with Nayanthara. He is also eagerly anticipating the release of his war movie, Maatrubhumi, which is still in the works.",
  "summary": "Salman Khan shared his appreciation for Captain Smit Machchhar's efforts in saving lives during a flight incident. The pilot was attacked by his co-pilot while flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv and sustained serious injuries. Despite this, he managed to successfully land the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia with over 170 people on board. Other Indian celebrities, including Shilpa Shetty and Jackie…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}