Naseeruddin Shah, celebrated for his profound and versatile acting skills, continues to impress with his compelling role in Netflix's series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. In a recent discussion, Shah delved into how his personal memories of the real-life hijacking incident influenced his performance in the series.
Shah recalled his emotional state during the actual events of the hijacking. “I was 50 when this incident happened. I remember being extremely fearful because I feared it would provoke another wave of Islamophobia. Luckily at that time it didn't,” he said. Shah's concerns during that period were not only about the immediate danger but also the broader implications of the crisis. “There was a feeling of ambivalence at the end when the whole crisis was resolved. I was left with the feeling of unease when the deal was struck. I could not pinpoint why I felt this but I did feel that the passengers and the pilot went through an absolutely horrifying time and this was no closure.”
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, directed by Anubhav Sinha, vividly portrays the traumatic ordeal faced by the passengers and crew of the Indian plane that was hijacked on its journey from Nepal to Delhi. The series explores the intense seven-day captivity and the ensuing resistance against the hijackers, culminating in the flight's diversion to Kandahar.
The series features a stellar ensemble cast, including Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Arvind Swamy, Patralekhaa Paul, Anupam Tripathi, Pooja Gaur, Amrita Puri, Kumud Mishra, and Manoj Pahwa. Each actor brings their own depth to the narrative, contributing to the series' gripping portrayal of the crisis.
Currently streaming on Netflix, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack offers a powerful recounting of a significant and unsettling moment in history. Shah's reflection on his personal experiences adds an additional layer of authenticity to his portrayal, underscoring the emotional weight and complexity of the series.