Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the portrayal of hijackers in the OTT series IC814: The Kandahar Hijack, a survivor of the 1999 Indian Airlines plane hijacking has spoken out, calling the uproar “needless.” The show, streaming on Netflix and directed by Anubhav Sinha, has faced backlash over the use of code names for the hijackers involved in the tragic event.
Pooja Kataria, one of the passengers on the ill-fated flight, recently shared her thoughts on the matter, dismissing the debate. Kataria, who was returning to India from her honeymoon in Kathmandu when the plane was hijacked, emphasized that the depiction was accurate and aligned with her own experience. “I have seen it. The controversy which is going on is needless. There is nothing like this. The true event has been depicted, and they (hijackers) had code names. They used to call each other using those names,” she said.
The 1999 hijacking incident, in which five armed men took control of Flight IC814 and forced it to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, remains one of the most harrowing moments in Indian aviation history. Kataria’s memories of the incident bring an unusual perspective to the conversation, especially regarding the portrayal of the hijackers. One such hijacker, known by the code name ‘Burger,’ left a lasting impression on her. Recalling the surreal moments aboard the hijacked plane, Kataria said that ‘Burger’ would interact with passengers, play Antakshari, and even offer small gestures of kindness. In a strikingly bizarre turn of events, Kataria recounted how the hijacker gifted her a shawl upon learning that it was her birthday.
Despite the terrifying circumstances, Kataria’s experiences with ‘Burger’ and the other hijackers provide a layered view of the events, different from what many might expect. Her comments suggest that the Netflix series stays true to the actual sequence of events, and the use of code names in the show mirrors reality.
The hijacking resulted in a diplomatic and military standoff, with the plane being held for seven days in Kandahar. It ended with the release of the passengers after the Indian government agreed to release three terrorists in exchange for the hostages. The traumatic incident, which took place just before the turn of the millennium, remains etched in the collective memory of the nation.
As the debate over the series continues, Kataria’s testimony provides crucial insight into the real-life events behind the dramatization. While some criticize the show for its portrayal of sensitive moments, survivors like her view it as a reflection of what truly transpired. Kataria’s statements highlight that the controversy might be a distraction from the actual story of survival and resilience displayed by the passengers and crew of Flight IC814.
In an era where historical events are frequently adapted for entertainment, the IC814: The Kandahar Hijack series seems to walk the fine line between dramatic storytelling and factual representation. However, Kataria’s perspective offers a compelling reason to focus on the core of the narrative rather than the surrounding noise.
As more survivors and those directly affected by the hijacking share their opinions, it will be interesting to see how public perception of the series evolves. For now, one thing remains clear: the memories of that terrifying week in 1999 remain vivid, and survivors like Pooja Kataria have important stories to tell.