"We Expected This From Smit": Friend, Family On The Pilot Who Saved 174 Lives
Who is Captain Smit Machchhar beyond the cockpit and the headlines? In an exclusive NDTV conversation, Ishwarbhai Padia, a relative of Smit and his family, and Akshay Doshi, a close friend of 14-15 years, reveal the man they have known for years. They speak about Smit's childhood dream of becoming a pilot, his close-knit family, his wife Sonal and children, his strong faith and cultural roots, and the presence of mind and sense of duty they say have always defined him. Akshay recalls why Smit's decision to put his own life at risk to save passengers did not come as a surprise to those closest to him. Ishwarbhai also recounts the family's anxious wait for news after the incident and their reaction when Smit finally made contact.
